I love Engrish

This note is from my new neighbor about a housewarming party...

Korea and Mongolia!

Every year at the end of April, there are a string of National holidays which line up to essentially create a week off. A friend and I took full advantage of this week and traveled to Korea and Mongolia. While in Korea, we stayed with my friend's sister near Seoul. Although we received a lot of glares from Koreans, we had a great time exploring, shopping, and eating. We were able to see Ironman in 4D, which was an epic experience!

In Mongolia, we stayed in a traditional ger. About half of the population lives in these mobile houses. We traveled to the old capital, visited various monasteries and statues, rode horses, and walked around the capital city, UlaanBaatar. Even though our flight was rescheduled for two days later (and we confused the security guards by sleeping at the airport), it was definitely an awesome unique experience.

Mom and Gma in Japan!

At the beginning of the month, I was fortunate to have my mom and grandma visit me in Japan! We went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Nagasaki. It was challenging to plan the trip, and to have the best Japanese language skills in the group, but I had a blast, and it was great to see some familiar faces! I think we tired grandma out a little bit, but we saw some pretty cool things along the way...
At Tokyo Station

Nagasaki Peace Museum

Geisha spotting

Kinkakuji Temple


They liked this guy. He is supposed to cure ailments...


Nara Park


Hachiko statue. Our own akita passed away that same day... :-(


The busiest crosswalk in the world!

Change is in the Air...

Right now, I am at the end of spring vacation. In Japan, the new school year begins in April (as opposed to August or September). So I am busy getting ready for a whole new batch of first year students. Another part of the new school year is the influx of new (transfer) teachers. Every year, each school sends teachers to other schools in the prefecture. As a teacher, you can put in a request, but there is absolutely no guarantee it will be granted. This year, only one of my JTEs is leaving, but a few other teachers I was fond of were sent off to island schools (ie really far away). I am told that teachers spend an average of 6 years at one school before being transferred on. Also, each teacher takes a turn at an island school. I am beginning to meet a few of the new teachers, but I have to admit, this whole system seems a bit...awkward. Can you imagine being uprooted every few years? Especially if you have a family?! Odd.

But spring also means...sakura season! The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and they are gorgeous!

Last Few Weeks...

After school one day, a few of us went to check out the kimono sale. We each tried on a kimono. This kimono is usually $3,000! It was on sale for around $1,500. Still too rich for my pockets! They are all so incredibly beautiful though!

Last week, I had a business trip to go to another school and work with kids at an English camp. This was my favorite student, Erina-chan. She wrote me the sweetest letter!

















I was semi-tricked into dancing Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and "Thriller" at a New Year's Party. But who am I kidding, I enjoyed every minute of it! (Note "Michael" in the zombie picture).


On Thursday, my mom and grandma will arrive in Japan! I am so excited! First, we will explore Tokyo and Kyoto, and then we will head South to see my area...

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Every year, the Chinatown section of Nagasaki City is home to the Lantern Festival, which celebrates the Chinese New Year. Thousands of Lanterns are on display, some of which are fantastically intricate. Take a peek!

My Preschoolers!