Special events

I've been working since Thursday, but it's been great, because it's not the typical work of a teacher or ALT on summer break (perhaps sitting in an office). Instead, Higashi has been host to 30 students and 6 teachers from Hawata, Yamagata-ken participating in the 14th of a series of annual exchanges between the two towns.

We've been lucky with weather, especially considering Typhoon 8 about hit Taiwan had a significant chance of turning northeast and ruining a lot of our outdoor activities. Instead, we were able to make everything happen, from the afternoon of Physical Adventure at Higashi's Eco-Park, to the Ocean Experience day and final evening BBQ yesterday.

A student leaping from the 10m tall "jump-pole"

Especially interesting was me being asked to play and sing a very well known song called "Shimanchu nu Takara" at yesterday's BBQ. Nervousness was low, and I attribute that to the years of performing on stages in front of people and having taught the kids of Higashi for a year. And I know the song by heart. What I didn't know so well were the guitar chords. Unfortunately, wind was high, and the chord sheet kept getting folded in half, meaning I couldn't see. After getting a little bit flustered but unable to fix the problem or stop they song (you can't stop the music!), someone finally realized what was happening and came to hold the paper down. After that, it was smooth sailing. Of course, everyone was in high praises, despite my knowing that I could have done better (I've resolved to rock next years whatever special event).

Today is the farewell meeting, a 15-minute goodbye to be held in a couple hours from now. The students and teachers will then head to the Churaumi Aquarium and a few other places before taking their lodging for the night in Naha. Tomorrow they return to Hawata, hopefully taking with them some pretty fun memories.

So yeah, I've had to work this past weekend and another day or two yet. But it's not the normal sitting in an office kind of thing most people do all their lives. For that reason, among the many many others, I'm so glad to be on JET.

Learning from scratch

I recently signed up for motorbike lessons at the driving school in Nago. My friend Ollie and I are working on this together, though separately - as he lives on the far south of the island and I live north. We're both taking the middle class license class (400cc and below). And today (Thurs) was my first day on the bike.
It was awesome! Sure, I didn't actually do that much, other than learn how to lift the bike from a tipped position (heavy - use your legs!), how to mount, operate all the basic controls, set the bike into a standing un-manned position, manage the clutch and gas, manage simple turns, proper acceleration and braking, and enter into traffic.

My instructor today, Uechi-sensei, was cool and he inspired confidence in my own ability right away. Though I forgot to turn off my blinker for about half a lap, and stalled the bike 3-4 times (once in 4th gear going sooo slow - but I was only following his lead), I didn't drop it and it felt really good. There's definitely a lot of room to improve in shifting, meaning reducing excessive revving or smoothing out the starts and gear changes. But who wouldn't have lots of room for improvement after only one formal lesson. I once rented a 125cc bike in Thailand for two weeks, but that thing seems like a toy compared to a 400cc machine.

So I'm really excited to get back and knock off a lesson here and there. Since I had already successfully converted my US license to a Japanese, not only is the class cheaper, but the coursework is reduced to practical lessons only, meaning just driving and nothing in the classroom. This is good news, since it let's me get done more quickly, but not too quickly as to blow through everything and not learn any good skills.

In fact, the course consists of 17 total classes: 9 in the first step (or １段階 ichi-dankai) and 8 in the second. After succesfully completing the first step (and I believe after an evaluation), I'll move on to the second step, completing the course with a succesful run on the examination, which includes the following: basic setup and manuevering, slalom, the ippon-bashi (google it), emergency braking, rough terrain (maybe?), the crank (think Tetris shapes on the road), the figure 8, and various other basic safety considerations when turning, accelerating, braking, etc.

Perhaps the coolest part of it all is having to have bought gear for the class. I got a helmet and basic leather gloves as required. Of course, once all is said and done, I'll have to upgrade the gloves to something more suitable to my style. And boots; don't forget boots. But I'm not going to worry about that. There's still at least a month to go before finishing the course, given intermitent work assignments, travel, and my brother's visit to Japan.

But rest assured, once Ollie and I have completed our training, passed our tests, bought and insured our bikes, and reached beautiful points on Okinawa on two wheels, we'll flood you with pictures and stories and have a good time doing it.

Late Night Surprise

I drove home very late (early?) this morning, leaving my friend's apartment around 3:30. Though he graciously offered me a spot to crash, I preferred to get back and wake up early, getting some things done at my place before the day gets too hot.

As I sat down to eventually turn my computer off, I couldn't help but hear something that sounded like a critter munching on something. Thinking it might have been a dog (or worse!) that had dug into my compost pile, I took a look. And I was amazed to see a bat hanging in the tree just outside my doors.

He was chomping on whatever type of fruit grows in whatever type of tree that I have yet to decided to eliminate or not. He had a furry head of white hair, and his wingspan was easily 2.5 to 3 feet. I was going to try and snap a dark shot of him, but as I was creeping to get my camera, I bumped the mouse, illuminating the screen of the computer that was in standby, and he flew away. I'm not sure if the events are related (bats don't see well, right?), but it was still cool enough to have watched him for those few moments.

Another one

Earthquake.

Tuesday, 16:47 JST

More info can be found here.

Was stronger than the quake last year, and I was at school, which made a difference in that it became quite the buzz for a while. Nothing serious, just shaking and rattling, though this one seemed to have two distinct stages: weak, and stronger. When the strength changed, just for a minute I thought, "Uh oh, I hope this isn't a pattern."

30 seconds maybe. Over and done with. Is it normal to feel this way?

硫黄島からの手紙

It is not often that I watch a movie that very deeply moves me.

And so I was surprised tonight when watching "Letters from Iwo Jima" to be terribly saddened by the history it was portraying - of men forced from their homes, their wives and children and family, to be put into a position often resulting only in death; of men shooting each other for no reason other than having been told to do so; of men with nothing but the hope of survival.

I can't even imagine what it must have been like. I can only be glad that nobody I've ever known has had to endure a situation like that.

I Wonder as I Wander

[Uta no Hi: Sunset at the Begin Concert, Nishihara]

I remember singing this song (though being most impressed with Chanticleer's version of it) when I was younger. The lyrics I barely remember; if I took the time to look them up, I might lose interest in typing, so just bear with me and pretend I know what I'm talking about.

I'm pretty sure the song has a religious connotation, but again, I'm not sure. The title strikes me the most, however.

Eleven months have passed since I came to Japan last year. In that time, I have met amazing people, spilled my heart and feelings to some of them, made connections that will never be broken - stretched as some may already be through time and distance - and put myself to the task of learning to speak and understand Japanese as a Japanese. I was so determined to come on JET a while back, that I never took the time to imagine what I wanted to do next.

Just today, as I was sitting with friends, chatting about time spent in Japan, time yet to be spent here by some, and the upcoming departure of others, I thought, "What's next?" The simple answer is "another year in Okinawa, duh." And so I settled down for a minute. Then my brain did what it always does: it jumped ahead and asked, "And after that?"

There was no answer. There is no answer. I have no idea what I want to do with my life. If you ask me (please don't, I already have, see?) what I want to do after JET, I'd say, "Be happy, healthy, and in love. With a stringed musical instrument in my hands." Great answers, yeah?, and there's not much more I desire. Practically, some money has to be made and saved to some extent, but the money doesn't make life more valuable. It helps to make things available, and then perhaps interesting and entertaining, but haven't most of us had those moments where just by lying around and doing nothing, the best of the best just springs forth spontaneously? Or by teaching Elementary school children - they are the most amazing people sometimes. I don't remember ever having bought a laugh. I don't remember ever having bought a memory. And I've certainly never bought any of the feelings that well inside of me and bring me happiness, misery, or contentment.

And so I was wondering today, what next? I need to shorten the time-line, say perhaps to this week, or tomorrow. Or even just a few hours from now. You wanna know what it is I'm thinking about? I'll give you this miserable hint: _ _ _/_ _ _ _/_ (think I) _ _ _ _

PS - It's a happy thought, in case you read this post wrong. And no, it's not the upcoming Kanken.

Last Minute Notices

I purchased a ticket to a concert that starts at 1:00 this Saturday. The ticket cost me 3,800 yen.

I got a phone call from my supervisor yesterday (Thursday). My next week's school changed their schedule and the event that was to be held on a normal Monday, will now be held on this Saturday. My supervisor told me I had to go. Meaning I can't go to the concert. Meaning 3,800 yen went to a pretty piece of paper.

There is a systemic problem in my village (and some other ALTs complain of a similar situation in other towns and cities) where I am poorly informed of events both voluntary and mandatory. Poorly, meaning eventually, but at such a last minute, that any plans I had made previously have to be changed drastically or dumped or I just don't go to the (voluntary) village functions. One such example was two weeks ago when I was to fly to Tokyo to meet some friends. Two weeks after I book the tickets (for a weekend trip), I'm told I'm needed to be an MC for a speech contest (they found a replacement).

I've brought this problem up with all the people I work with, but the only way I can see to get any real change started is to put it on the agenda of the next village English meeting (principals, teachers, and boss). I have a feeling if I started popping last minute news on my schools, the earth would explode.

Third Time's Charm?

I had another driving test today. It was scheduled for the afternoon at 1:00 pm, not at 8:30 like I had originally thought. I discovered this last night, which was great, since I got to stay up a little later and study. And since the last two tests that I failed were morning tests, I figured a change of appointment would maybe play a part in my luck.

Apparently, it did. I passed today's test with what seemed to be a perfect run. The instructor made some encouraging comments about two turns in, and I chatted with him for a little bit, before getting back to the business of passing.

Today, I made sure to spin my head and my shoulders when looking in my blind-spots. I even called out each mirror and location to which I looked, letting the instructor know that I was checking everything all the time.

One of the tougher spots on the course, the kirikae - or the "crank" - a Tetris-shaped piece path through which we have to maneuver without hitting the curbs or any of the poles set up around it, went really well today. Last time I backed up just to make sure I didn't touch anything. But today, I had plenty of room and breezed through it. The S-curve went well, too, though in all three times I took it, I was certain my front bumper was going to rub the curb - but it never did.

I pulled into the final parking spot, where the instructor told me to get out. After checking to see that no (imaginary) traffic was coming up behind me, I opened the door, checked below the door for dangerous items, stepped out, and walked to the other side of the car (where the instructor was sitting), when he gave me the good word: "Pass."

Four of us passed today, today being the third visit for two of us, fifth visit for the other two. We spent the next hour or so doing paperwork and just reveling in being done with the hardest part of the process. I go back Monday for a 30 minute lecture, on driving safety I presume, after which I will be handed my Japanese driver's license. Good timing, considering applying for a replacement Illinois license from Japan is proving to be a real pain in the ass.

All in all, I spent Y12,000 on driving school, Y12,000 on test paperwork, Y10,000 on tolls to get to Naha, Y10,000 on gas for the five trips needed to get it all done (two for paperwork and three for driving test attempts), and 5 days of holiday for time off school. Approximately $440 for the whole deal (though tack on about another $40 for Monday's gas and tolls). I'm glad to be almost done spending (wasting?) the time and the money.

Sweat, Study, Sweat, Repeat

It's first trimester test week here at my small school. The first three periods of each day for the next three days are reserved for student test taking. The afternoon classes are still in session, but will primarily focus on study for the next day's tests.

This means I have a lot of time free for the next couple mornings. I've been using that time to review for my upcoming kanji test on July 11. The test will cover 420 of the basic (1,945) kanji that all students study (up through 3rd grade elementary). While knowing more kanji is nice (note: I did the Heisig method and can recall all 1,945 writings from a keyword, but can't read them all), it's the increased vocabulary (and increasingly difficult grammar) that is paying off. I can now listen to a number of sources and pick out a lot more words that I couldn't before. I think it's a lot like buying a new car. You don't notice how many there are on the road until you're driving one. So, while the words have been floating around Okinawa through various utterances and broadcasts (放送 housou), now that they're floating around in my head, it's starting to make sense.

On the other hand, it's hot. Maybe not so much hot, because Arizona is hotter for sure, but humid. The two minutes prior to typing this were what gave me the idea for the title. I felt a drop of sweat running down my chest, so I pressed my shirt against it only to have the purple turn dark purple, wet. Only one of the schools in Higashi has a/c in the teacher's room - this is not one of them. And I have to say, I don't regret giving up on the "let's see how long I can last without using the a/c while I'm sleeping or at home."

And in very other news, I passed my 進級試験 (shinkyuu shiken) karate test last Saturday. Photos and stuff to come in another post.