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... ;-)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
In Which the Toilets Outsmart Me
I am here!
I just arrived in Sasebo after countless hours of flying and three days of orientation in Tokyo. My day on Saturday started around 8am at DIA. After flying to LAX, I boarded an 11 hour flight to Tokyo's international airport. After arriving, we took a bus to a hotel in the middle of downtown Tokyo. This hotel was enormous! I had two roommates who came from Denver with me. The room was very nice, there was a flatscreen TV and a very technological toilet! The seat could be heated, and whenever I sat down, it told me to "standby". I had no idea what to do! What could it possibly need me to standby for?
Anyways, I went to meeting after meeting during orientation, and was bombared with a ridiculous amount of info and pamphlets. I met a lot of people who were going to my prefecture, and after orientation one night we went out to sing karaoke. Karaoke in Japan is much different than in the States. You get a room for your group to yourselves. There is a phone you can use to call in drink orders. Singing along with your group of friends instead of in front of an entire bar is a lot more fun! Karaoke is widely popular in Japan, and I think I will go often! I also got a chance to explore a bit of Shinjuku (downtown Tokyo). It is an amazing place to visit, but I am glad I don't live there!
On the last day of orientation, I took a bus to the domestic airport, and flew to Nagasaki airport. The airport was actually made on a man-made island. It's really small, I left the gate, and walked into the next room which was baggage claim. Once I grabbed my bags, I walked into the next room, where my predecessor Rachel and my suppervisor Itose Sensei greeted me.
I have only been in Sasebo for a few hours, but it's becoming more familiar already. I will try to update more on Sasebo in a few days when I am able to get my bearings...
I just arrived in Sasebo after countless hours of flying and three days of orientation in Tokyo. My day on Saturday started around 8am at DIA. After flying to LAX, I boarded an 11 hour flight to Tokyo's international airport. After arriving, we took a bus to a hotel in the middle of downtown Tokyo. This hotel was enormous! I had two roommates who came from Denver with me. The room was very nice, there was a flatscreen TV and a very technological toilet! The seat could be heated, and whenever I sat down, it told me to "standby". I had no idea what to do! What could it possibly need me to standby for?
Anyways, I went to meeting after meeting during orientation, and was bombared with a ridiculous amount of info and pamphlets. I met a lot of people who were going to my prefecture, and after orientation one night we went out to sing karaoke. Karaoke in Japan is much different than in the States. You get a room for your group to yourselves. There is a phone you can use to call in drink orders. Singing along with your group of friends instead of in front of an entire bar is a lot more fun! Karaoke is widely popular in Japan, and I think I will go often! I also got a chance to explore a bit of Shinjuku (downtown Tokyo). It is an amazing place to visit, but I am glad I don't live there!
On the last day of orientation, I took a bus to the domestic airport, and flew to Nagasaki airport. The airport was actually made on a man-made island. It's really small, I left the gate, and walked into the next room which was baggage claim. Once I grabbed my bags, I walked into the next room, where my predecessor Rachel and my suppervisor Itose Sensei greeted me.
I have only been in Sasebo for a few hours, but it's becoming more familiar already. I will try to update more on Sasebo in a few days when I am able to get my bearings...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Getting Closer...
I just heard from my predecessor today, and she has been ridiculously helpful and generous with information. Here is part of what she wrote me...
Dear Ashleigh,
Dear Ashleigh,
Welcome to Sasebo Tosho Hight School! Today my supervisor asked me to send you a welcome letter. There is so much information I'm not really sure where to start. I'll try to give you an overview and please write any time with more questions!
so first off (you probably already know) you'll be working at Sasebo Tosho High School (佐世保東翔高
等学校) in Nagasaki prefecture. I have been the ALT here for two years.
I'm originally from the state of Maine and have loved my time out here.
I am sure you will enjoy it too!
The School:
Tosho
is about a 10 minute drive from your apartment. it's about an hour to
walk. There is a bus that can take you there from outside your
apartment but I have found it extremely difficult because the schedule
always changes due to extra classes held in the early morning. So
during the normal schedule the bus usually comes around 7:30 but a when
the extra classes are taking place it can come at 6am or 7am. there is
one at 8:07 but it doesnt' get you to school in time. so the school
hours are 8:15 to 4:00 M-F. the rest of the teachers have to stay at
least until 5 and most of them stay until 8 or 9 as they have to
moniter/coach the club activities. So there is the 1st bell at 8:15 and
the second bell at 8:20 is when the morning teachers meeting begins for
about 20 minutes. there are about 600 students at Tosho between the
ages of 15 and 18. The students here are amazing!!! They are so cute and are always happy to try to talk to you. They really make coming to school more fun than a job. It is not a high academic high school so they're english levels are pretty low but there are a few students who have incredible English. There
are 3 grades, 5 classes per grade, 40 students per class. you will
teach all 5 first grade oral communication classes with a JTE and one
2nd year class with only 4 students 3 times a week (so you have 8
classes a week). ever since I arrived i have been in charge of making
the lesson plans and leading the class, i believe they will want you to
do the same. 4 of your 1st year classes you will teach with Yoshimoto
Sensei. She is only a part time teacher but she is amazing! she has
helped me so much here and her english is so incredible compared to the
other teachers here. she is a lot of fun, crazy at times but so sweet.
the 5th 1st year class you will teach with Ide Sensei who you sit
beside in the staff room. He was new last year at this school but he
has been so kind to me and always makes sure i know the schedule and
what's going on. His English is not so great, but he really tires. he
knows a lot but his pronounciation is so difficult to understand the
students say they can't understand his japanese either! lol. anyways
you will also teach the 2nd year class with him 2x a week and the 3rd
time you will teach with Fukuda Sensei. she is a new part time teacher
this year. she seems really nice but maybe nervous a lot? i think she
doesn't have a lot of experience teaching with ALT's but she is nice
and her English is decent. As for you supervisor, Itose Sensei, he is
different. He doesn't know a lot of english and doesn't like to speak
in english (either he's self concious about it or just it's too
difficult) so he will probably speak a lot of japanese. He doesn't seem
to know much about being a supervisor but the other teachers here are
so great it really doesnt' matter. they will help you with anything!
and the vice principal and principal are also English teachers or were
so their Engliish is really good and the principal will look out for
you! he's really great...although he looks intimidating. and the new
vice principal seems so sweet but i think she's a little shy to speak
english even though she's really good. there are 2 new young 1st time
teachers maybe 24 years old here and they are both sweethearts! one of
them can speak english pretty well the other one a little. The school
nurse here is so great too! Masuda Sensei. if you're bored or tired or
sad you can always go and visit her and have tea! She loves to practice
English. as for a normal school day the 1st class starts at 8:55 on a
normal day and is 50 minutes after 4th period you have lunch for 45
minutes and then 2 more classes. For your schedule Monday and Tuesday
you have 2 classes each day, wednesday you have 1 class, thursday you
have 2 and friday you have 1. oh there is also a chinese ALT here at
Tosho her english name is Lydia and she just arrived here this past
april. She is so sweet and has fluent japanese and her egnlish is good.
i'm sure if you have any problems she would be happy to help, we hang
out a lot! ok i'm probably boring you so i'll move on...
Your Apartment, Haiki & Sasebo:
Your
apartment is big but old. there are 3 tutami rooms a big kitchen and
bath and shower and a balcony. It comes with 2 couches that can lay
down to make a bed, a fridge, a western bed, etc. if you have skype i
can show you around. rent is ¥18500 a month so very cheap as it is
teachers housing. It is in the town of Haiki in a apartment complex
area (forgot the enlgish word...?) called Hanataka Danchi. it's
actually a nice area there is a small park about 2 minutes walk and a
nice walk path along a small river about 10 minute walk. there is a
tiny store across the street and there is a small grocery store La La
about 10 minutes walk from the apartment but that's about it. The train
station is about 40 minutes walking but there is a bus stop in front of
your house that goes to downtown sasebo or to haiki station. it takes
about 15-50 minutes depending on traffic to get to downtown sasebo
driving. Haiki has quite a lot of stores and restaurants but they are a
bit far from your apartment. a lot of people from downtown sasebo come
to shop here. Jusco is a big department like store with a grocery
store, pharmacy, arcade, restaurants, etc. it is only 5-10minute drive
and there are a ton of others stores around. Sasebo is considered the
country so it's not that big but they do have the longest shopping
arcade in Japan, 1 kilometer long. Sasebo is also home to a navy base
so you will see foreigners/americans wherever you go. A lot of them
live in or near Haiki. You are about an hour+ from Nagasaki city and 2
hours from Fukuoka a big city with great night life. there is a good
beach near sasebo and more near nagasaki.
p.s.
the summer is insanely hot and humid here and the winter is cold and
damp is actually snowed a few times this past winter. and for school
you will need 1 suit but every day dress is casual just nice pants and
a polo shirt or just a t-shirt. you're also allowed to wear sports
cloths epsecially on days with no class or on cleaning days etc. all
the teachers have a tracksuit and jacket. oh and also you need indoor
shoes for school and sneakers for the gym. (you can get those here tho
depending on your shoe size).
p.p.s. i hope you like karaoke!!! ;)
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