Japan XIII: Naoshima

こんにちは！

Another post, another clever introduction, right?

Another week has passed here in Japan. Fall seems to be in its peak here. The autumnal season in Japan is gorgeous because trees cover the mountains. Thus, when the leaves change colors, it's like you are surrounded by a variety of reds, yellows and oranges. I spend most of my train commutes with my face plastered to the window more than usual these days. I also recently FINALLY tried green tea ice cream...Yum! Thanksgiving was spent working as obviously Japan doesn't celebrate that uniquely American holiday. However, Friday the 23rd was a Japanese holiday so I've enjoyed compromising Thanksgiving day for a 3-day weekend.

I've spent this weekend hanging around Okayama and Saturday I went to a small island off of the coast of Okayama called Naoshima. This island hosts many outdoor art projects and fancy art museums. Besides the chilly weather, I had a relaxing time walking around the island, sitting at the beach, taking pictures and also meeting a distressed older couple from the Netherlands. Unfortunately, most of the indoor galleries didn't allow photography so I can't show all of you the art I saw.

Here's some pictures (as usual, click them for larger versions):

[The beach at the Benesse Art House]

 [The famous yellow pumpkin by Kusama Yayoi]

 [One of several small colorful animal sculptures]

 [The coast around Benesse]

 [Eating lunch at the ferry port]

As far as souvenirs go, I just bought some simple stickers that say "I LOVE N.S." (I love Naoshima) because souvenirs at Naoshima are expensive! For example, a small cell phone key chain in the shape of the yellow Kasuma Yayoi pumpkin were nearly $13! And a paper weight $35! Even postcards were a little more pricey. 

The only time I actually had a problem with at Naoshima was when I was trying to find a bus to go back to the ferry port. In order to tour Naoshima, you need to use the bus system or rent bikes. I tried to use the bus and didn't have any problems until I tried to return to the port. I spent maybe around 30 minutes trying to figure out which bus stop I needed to find and which bus to take but eventually got on the right (and VERY crowded) bus. On the ferry ride back to Uno, I sat in the cabin area and watched a sumo match on TV. Surprisingly, there was one foreigner competing in the sumo match. The only way you could tell he was a foreigner was by looking at his facial features because the wrestlers are so fat...Gross. As a total side note, one high school student Hannah teaches is going pro for sumo wrestling after he graduates.

The next week is a normal week of work for me. Monday I will be helping my 5-year-olds rehearse their English songs because Saturday they have a little concert for their parents. Next week Hannah and I are going to Kake Institute's end-of-the-year party via Yamada-san (our representative). I will also be figuring out if it's more appropriate for me to buy a second suitcase or mail stuff home. On the 14th of December I will be making the crowning jewel of my sight-seeing by going to Tokyo and Mt. Fuji! Whoo-hoo!

Until next time,

~J

Japan XII: Open School

!Hello! My busiest week of work in Japan is now complete. Whew...

I haven't traveled anywhere in the past few weeks. I've been saving for a trip to Tokyo and Mt. Fuji in December. Instead, I've been hanging around Okayama and following my normal work routine...I won't be going anywhere this weekend either as it's pouring rain here today! I don't know why, but it seems like it always rains on Mondays or on the weekends in the morning here.

Today (Saturday) Hannah and I helped with Okayama High School's open school program. The open school was essentially for middle school students to come and see the high school, it's teachers and programs. I would say the open school was very similar to an elaborate, interactive open house at an American school. Unlike American schools, *I think* Japanese students can test into different high schools like how an American student can test into certain colleges via the ACT/SAT. Also, as another side note, this high school is a private school.

Hannah and I were in charge of doing two activities with the students (about 60 students at once!) with help from our high school students and Japanese English teachers. Essentially, we played Simon Says with the visiting middle schoolers and did an activity to learn different directions. Here's a picture of us with some of the high school helpers. They were sweet hearts! Unfortunately, Hannah and I forgot our cameras so one student offered to take a picture of us with his phone and email it to me.

It's hard to believe that as of this time next week, I will have one month left in Japan! I honestly wish I had more time here so my students could at least get to know me better. I also found out that an extra transfer has been added to my flight home...Instead of being able to fly straight to Columbus from LA, I have to go from LA to Atlanta and then from Atlanta to Columbus. Hopefully...Hopefully...I won't have any awful flight delays. My current flight itinerary has me scheduled to plant my feet on Columbus Airport's floor tiles and carpet at 11:20am on Christmas Eve.

More soon!

-J 

Japan XI: Japanese Drumming and Dance

Oh, sweet weekend! Today, I spent some time by Okayama castle. I happened to catch a performance by a Japanese dance and drum group.

Here are some videos of the drumming and dancing! Being a percussionist and ex-dancer myself, I wish I could have joined them! The interesting thing about this group is that I noticed there were members that looked to be as young as 12 and some as old as 60. The group was also made up a men and women! Unfortunately, the 5 minute video I have of some stellar drumming won't upload so you will all have to settle for these short videos!