Four Years Ago

It's been four years since I've been back to the US since coming to Okinawa.

I'm heading back for a combination of reasons. The impetus for the trip came from my friend Dougal who is getting married on June 19th. Before and after the wedding, I will be meeting up with family in a couple of different locations. It's going to be fun!

I leave for the airport in a couple of hours and I can't help but think about how different my hometown will be or what it's going to feel like to be surrounded by English for a full two weeks.

While I'm back, I will be taking lots of photos and video to document the trip. I plan on showing my students a little bit of what it's like in the US through this amateur documentary. Of course, as I get the time, I'll upload some of what I capture for your enjoyment as well.

Alright, off to Naha!

Akashobin

Today, there was quite a ruckus after fourth period class right before lunch. It turns out a bird (known here as akashobin, or ruddy kingfisher) had flown into the school, smacked against a window, and found itself not so much capable of immediately flying back out. Students and teachers gathered around, nobody willing to take the first step in getting the bird to safety.

I offered to pick the bird up and carry it outside (I have done this before at the same school with a different bird), but the bird kept nipping at my fingers and flying around a bit. He ended up in the entrance to the men's bathroom. I eventually borrowed a student's towel, lightly grasped the bird, and carried him outside to a large platform surrounded by potted plants. I'm not sure if he made it away, but I hope so. It was quite a beautiful bird to see up close (can you see the purple on it's back?)

Here's a shot I took before picking the bird up and getting him out of the men's bathroom.