Yosakoi and Bunkasai!

Some days in Japan are more difficult than others. And some days, I just can't help but say, "I LOVE JAPAN." This weekend happened to be one of them. My town, Sasebo, hosted a large Yosakoi Matsuri (dance festival). It is the largest Yosakoi festival on my island. There are around 5 performance areas around the city, including a main stage. What struck me most about the festival was the amount of fun people were having as they were dancing. You could feel their excitement. It definitely reminded me of why I love dance in the first place. I am definitely getting in on the fun next year.

I missed the second half of the festival on Sunday, because my school hosted it's annual Bunkasai festival. Students showcased their musical, theatrical, artistic, culinary, and dance talents. I actually performed on stage as well. I danced to a old high school poms routine, and had a great time doing it.

This weekend was definitely one to remember.

Enjoy the pictures.

English Camp

Last weekend I volunteered as a leader for an English camp. It was located in Saga Prefecture, and was nestled in the mountains. I felt right at home! My group was a mix of boys ranging from 3rd grade to 6th grade. Needless to say, this was a huge difference from my high school kids (most of whom are girls). It was so much fun to work with a different group dynamic though! We made t-shirts, watched Ratatouille with popcorn and hot chocolate, grilled hot dogs, set up a mini shopping mall, and sang songs and played games by the campfire. Oh the good old days of camp!

We had free time during the night, and the boy campers' room was right next to the leaders' room. They were climbing in the little window doors at all hours of the night. And they loved to play UNO with us!

Japanese kids are pretty much the cutest kids on earth.