Education in Japan

Japanese do not like confrontation and this is something I experience on a daily basis when I go to school. Whether its about discipline or saying what you really mean, the Japanese are certainly really good about keeping up polite appearances, even if how they feel inside is the EXACT opposite.

As a teacher back home, I would certainly feel comfortable telling my students to "Pay attention" or "stop talking"...but here the teachers seem to simply ignore these things and it drives me a little crazy!! I mean, shouldn't students listen to teachers and learn rather than draw on each other and talk to their neighbors? Now, don't get me wrong...the bad kids only make up about 2% of my students, but they certainly know how to drive one a little mad.

As for more important educational issues, I am intrigued and interested in how teachers approach lesson plans, greet each other in the morning, and dress so casually its almost funny. Teachers here wear track suits and sports clothes for school and I almost feel overdressed in my polo and black jeans...I really couldn't resist but to chuckle at my JTE's attire the other day...I almost felt like the entire staff was prepping for a marathon, rather than an English lesson.

Prepping for lessons with my JTEs (Japanese Teachers of English) is really fun...it's a constant "what?" and "I don't get it...let me look this up on my translator..." experience...but after awhile, we all seem to be talking the same language. I really like in the elementary how we inciorporate fun games at the end of each lesson to really hone in on the skills we are teaching the kids...

The other day, I played "Fruit Basket" game and the kids absolutely LOVE this game...they learn the names of the fruit and then we play a sort of musical chairs type game as I call out the names of the fruit and then they run around like chickens with their heads cut off until the last kid is standing because he was too slow to get to a chair...it's HILARIOUS!!!

I am really excited about teaching in Japan and commuting by bike instead of driving 45 minutes one way to get to San Ramon...it's a whole different way of teaching here...I am the assistant rather than "Numero uno" and that certainly takes some adjustment...I want to lead and instead, I need to follow and do as I'm told. Often I feel like a tape recorder because I'm told to "Read this" and "Say this"...but I know it's valuable for students to hear native speakers because the JTEs cannot create that authentic experience for their students.

More on this later...

Kyoto with Karen

Two weeks ago, I visited the amazing city of Kyoto. It is both old and new at the same time, having the Gion Geisha District, and modern restaurants along the river. Actually getting to see the real Geisha up close and personal was like walking onto the movie set of "Memoirs of a Geisha"...their make-up, beautiful kimonos, and very very tall sandals were almost unreal. They walk with such grace and timidity and they are very difficult to capture on camera.

During our stay in Kyoto, we saw the beautiful Golden Pavilion Temple, Imperial Palace, and many other beautiful zen gardens. There are so many gardens and temples to visit, it's almost too overwhelming. But, I think we were lucky enough to see the main highlights...I wouldn't recommend going in the summer, or at least this summer...it was SO hot that sweat was more present then I would like to admit or remember ;)

My favorite place was probably the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, Tenru-ji Gardens...the bamboo grove there is almost spiritual and well-worth the visit, or the Inari Shrine with its hundreds of orange gates. Kyoto is a special place that everyone must visit before they die...even if that sounds corny, it's true because you can really get lost in the beauty that Kyoto offers.

As a side trip, we visit Nara where we could pet wild deer in the park and visit the largest wooden building in the world. Inside is an impressive golden buddha statue. My trip to Kyoto was definitely memorable and I hope to go back again in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom :)

In one of the photos, you can see me eating soba noodles with scrambled egg on top from the oldest soba noodle restaurant in Kyoto..this place has amazing food and sits on a little side street off of the main boulevard...so unless you know about it, you ain't gonna find it ;)

So, for your future trip to Kyoto, GO EAT THERE...you won't be disappointed.

xoxoxoxoxo

OLD VS MODERN = TOKYO!

I HEART TOKYO!

I spent the weekend in Tokyo two weeks ago and it is an amazing city to say the least. It is full of vibrant character, snazzy bars, fashionable Japanese, and beautiful historic temples and palaces. Despite the intense heat and humidity, my friend Karen and I were still able to enjoy walking around, taking pictures of the Imperial palace, and seeing the many neighborhoods that Tokyo has to offer.

My favorites of the weekend were: walking around the crazy electronic district with tons of neon lights and electronic stores for miles...this is where most people like to buy electronics for discount prices. The music coming from these stores might make you go temporarily noise deaf for awhile ;)

Tokyo night life is also an amazing way to see the city: word of advice to everyone who wants to see Tokyo at its best, go to the Hyatt in Tokyo and sip a martini at the 52nd floor in The New York Bar. The prices are steep but the live music bands are amazing and the view even more amazing. My friend and I spend four hours in here because the surroundings were beautiful and the feeling of being on top of the most amazing city, even better!

Senso-ji Temple is another highlight of the trip. This gigantic temple is hot spot for worshippers that come just to drink the holy water and make a prayer or two inside. The garden out back is very beautiful with a pond and gigantic orange fish. The temple is very impressive and the shops that stand in front of it sold many beautiful crafts (fans, kimonos etc...) to tourists. Avoid going on a weekend...way too many people!

The parks in Tokyo are amazing and beautiful and every visitor should have tea when given the chance. We had cold green tea in the park called Hamarikyu Park in the tea pavilion, which was located in the middle of the lake. This experience was spiritual, relaxing, and very Japanese. When you go inside the pavilions, you must remove your shoes and expect to be waited upon by soft spoken Japanese women who are more than happy to serve you tea on the tatami mat floor in a serene environment. (After awhile, if you are not use to this...your legs will fall asleep) ;)

Tokyo is such a big city and I have only begun to explore it...one weekend in this city is certainly not enough to really capture its full flavor and character...I still want to experience its nightlife, museums, and more enchanting shrines.

I didn't have time yet to visit Ueno Park or Meiji Shrine, so that will be my next "To-Do" things next time I am in Tokyo later this Fall.

Hope you enjoy the pictures from Tokyo! xoxo

Takasaki Candlelight Festival

Last night, I went up to the mountain above Takasaki to visit the Goddess of Mercy statue and to see the annual candlelight festival. Before it got dark, a group of us crazy Takasaki JETs (just kidding guys) walked up the inside of the statue. The view from the top was really beautiful, despite the heavy humidity that creates a haze over the city...

Once it got dark, the candles were lit and the view was spectacular: thousands of candles in spiral shapes on the streets. Kids with lanterns and people making wishes...very cool! :)

I even bought a little red Daruma head...you are suppose to paint one eye when you make a wish and paint the other eye when it comes true...I think that is such a great idea. It makes me want to buy 10 of them (hmm...sounds like capitalism...)

We were going to bike up...I'm so glad we didn't and drove instead...the hills would have been killer! Enjoy the photos :)

Trip to Haruna Shrine and Lake

A few days ago, I visited Haruna Shrine and Haruna Lake, which is located up in the mountains above Takasaki City. We took a bus tour to the shrine, which took about 45 minutes. Upon arriving at the shrine, visitors are welcomed by lush greenery and beautiful statues and wooden shrines. The place is very spiritual and relaxing. We walked throughout the forest, where there are footpaths for visitors and places to rest. Locals often go to the shrines to pray for good luck or something that they hope will happen in their life. When offering a small coin, you then bow twice, say the prayer, clap your hands twice, and bow once more. I saw many people doing this at Haruna Shrine.

After walking through the beautiful forest, we at lunch at a soba noodle restaurant, which was delicious. After the bus driver, took us to Haruna lake! It is a large lake located on top of a volcanic crater. The water was beautiful and funny enough, there are giant swan boats on the lake...it was almost comical and corny at the same time! In Haruna, we visited a foot onsen bath, which is made of iron mixed with water. Everyone dips their feet into the hot water to relax and soothe the body. This was very enjoyable :)

Gunma is known for onsens...there are many famous ones that I plan to visit soon! They are meant to relax and help the body feel good...can't wait!

Takasaki Festival Aug 7, 2010

Two weeks ago, I went to the Takasaki Festival. It was amazing to see all of the people dressed up in traditional costumes beating the drums and showing off their amazing shrines. The point of the drums is to "out drum" the other drummers in a battle of the drums. They all sound amazing to me...even kids participated in the event.

Along with the drums and shrines were many food stalls, games, and chanters in the streets. It was certainly a nice way to welcome us to their city...this was my first week in Takasaki. :)

I have to say, I really admire how traditional and modern the Japanese are at the same time. I also love how polite and respectful people seem to be, even to foreigners who know about 20 words in Japanese so far ;) Every day, I am trying to learn new phrases and words. In one week, I will start my Japanese class and I'm excited to learn the language!!

Life in Takasaki: Apartment, School, and Hobbies

My school is one of the biggest in the city. The photo on the red and while building is the junior high school I will be working at. I will be working with 13 English classes and 3 other JTEs (Japanese English Teachers)...

My apartment is in Takasaki...in the suburbs where it is quiet and there is a lot of greenery.

Luckily, I have two really big grocery stores nearby, a yummy Italian restaurant, curry, sushi, and even a KFC (whoopie!) Even though I would never be caught dead in a KFC, it is comforting to know that there are many food options for me here in Takasaki. Every morning, I ride my bike to work (the school is about 15 min each way by bike) and this is really fun and pleasant. The only downside is the insane amount of heat and humidity that Japan gets in the summer...I am really looking forward to Autumn!

I am pleasantly surprised by how modern my apartment is, clean, and conveniently located. My apartment is a 60 sec walk to the bus stop that takes me into town (bus ticket cost = 2.80 yen which is about $3.00) Not bad, eh?

The apartment is small, but almost fully furnished with a washing machine and other great amenities. I have posted some pics of my apartment for your viewing pleasure!

I'm also starting a Japanese class in 2 weeks and koto lessons. The koto is a beautiful instrument with 13 strings and my goal is to master reading the music, learning simple pieces, and of course, having fun! :) I posted a picture of the koto in case you haven't seen one before.