Sunny Court 202

A tour through our apartment!  Welcome, please remove your shoes.  First, you enter our genkan where we leave our shoes.  On your right is our toilet and on your left is our bathroom with a sink, washer (no dryer) and shower/bathtub with a fan that can blow hot air.  The fan in the shower room is useful if we wash clothes and it is humid otherwise as you can imagine, the clothes stay damp. 

 

Then, our bedroom, we decided to make the double bed work for the year.  

On the other half of our apartment you come to the kitchen on the left. The kitchen is equipped with a double burner stove and narrow “fish broiler.”  We have also used the broiler as a toaster, it works well to make french bread pizza, garlic bread and english muffins. Our microwave is supposed to act as an oven/toaster but we haven’t tried that feature.  We also have a tiny fridge, pantry and rice cooker. We have done well cooking some delicious dinners.  Recently, a vegetable soba stir fry, tacos, and salad with grilled fish.  Hungry!?

Straight ahead, you come to our dining/living room fully equipped with an air conditioner (which we haven’t had to use for a few weeks).  We even have a tiny T.V. that we occasionally watch to take in some goofy Japanese television culture and try to learn Japanese.  We have found it takes very little language ability to catch onto to most of the things on T.V.  We also have a small balcony, mostly used for drying clothes and keeping airflow through the apartment.  

I hope you enjoyed the tour.  As you can see we have some room for a guest or two if you are inclined to visit Japan while we are here!

Tabemono, momo, hanabi!

A few days into this week and I feel exhausted.  This past weekend didn’t feel like a weekend.  I didn’t get my usual mornings to sleep in.  Oh well, the French class was fun.  The superintendent was one of my students so now when I see him he greets me with “bonjour.”  After teaching I met up with one of my Japanese English teachers (one of the teachers I will team teach with).  She took me to a Japanese soba restaurant and ordered a delicious dish with tempura style vegetables and fish on rice with a sauce and cold soba noodles that you dip into soy sauce mixed with wasabi and onions.  She was surprised I would like soba because it is “very salty.”  It was fun to go to a restaurant and get recommendations from a local.  That afternoon we discovered a foreign food store, Yamaya, kind of like Trader Joes with yummy cheese and a huge wine selection.  Most grocery stores in Japan do not sell more than a few cheap/gross bottles of wine.  Then we met Todd’s new boss for dinner.  We were taken to another delicious Japanese restaurant, an izakaya (small plates).  We ate with Yuki and Satomi, two young Japanese women with great personalities and English ability.  Todd’s boss, Yuki spent time in Australia so she has a fun sassy sense of humor.  Then they took us to a swanky cocktail bar where we enjoyed watching the juggling bartender make elaborate drinks. 

On Sunday we met friends to take a bus to the countryside, we went to a peach orchard.  We stayed at the orchard for about 45 minutes and during that time you could eat as many peaches as you could stomach.  I ate three juicy, tree-ripened peaches.  Todd ate four and got a stomachache. (I am sad because the pictures I took with my I-phone erased due to a restoring error.)  Before we picked the fruit the owner explained how to tear the peach skin off with one twist.  Japanese people don’t eat fruit skin, a similarity between French and Japanese people.  After eating our fill of peaches we picked two to take back and make a peach parfait.  We got our fill of peaches! Millions of peaches! 

Sunday night we rallied and went to the Hachinohe summer fireworks show at the port.  It was an hour and a half of great fireworks.  They would announce sponsoring companies or groups before each set of fireworks (there were 16 sets).  Some parts of the show were even set to music.  It was an impressive show.  But we aren’t really sure why they have the show aside from a celebration of summer. 

Then Monday came.  All weekend, I had been practicing my Japanese speech, which I wrote with the help of my coworkers and my boss.  I had two versions of the speech, one for the student body of my junior high and the other for the mayor.  Japanese culture places high importance on the beginning and end to things.  They expect new teachers to introduce themselves in the opening ceremony.  The ceremony was held in the school gym.  I watched as 300 hundred Japanese junior high students marched in, single file completely silent.  They stand in lines for several minutes, bow many times, chant and sing.  It is quite a controlled mass. If any of the students get out of line they risk their hair being tugged or a stare down by a teacher.  An amazing sight from the perspective of an American teacher. I nervously, waited until the end the assembly to be called on stage.  I think my speech went relatively well, I stuttered through it in Japanese. 

That afternoon I was escorted to the mayor’s office by my supervisor, his boss and the superintendent.  We were met by a local newspaper reporter.  I answered her questions, apparently it is common for Japanese people to ask your age and publish it in the newspaper, part of their hierarchical society.  The mayor was a friendly, non-intimidating man.  He warmly listened to my introduction and asked me questions.  After discussion about Todd, he encouraged us to have a baby while we are in Hachinohe (at least this was what my supervisor translated).  I responded with we’ll do our best and smiled.


(I am sorry for the lack of photos in this post). 

Work and Play

Last weekend we rode our bikes to Hachinohe’s coast.  It was quite the undertaking because our bikes aren’t exactly sleek road bikes.  Our bikes are heavy steel, single gear bikes that take a lot of leg power if you are riding on anything other than flat.   The ride to the coast was quite hilly and we did walk up a few hills along the way.  It took us about an hour (including stops for sunscreen and food).  The ride was so worth it as we rounded down the hill to the beach!! We found a spot near the surf, laid out our blanket and towels and tested the water with our toes.  The temperature was warm outside and the water temperature was about 64.  It was just cool enough to be chilly on the way in but once we took the plunge it felt great.  The swimming area was separated by rocks a ways off the shore so it tended to be more gradual and smaller waves coming up on the beach.  After a swim and a nap in the sun we walked along a nice long beach that we walked.  There is even a train station up the hill from the beach.  On the way home, we rode along the coast.  We saw beautiful views and decided it was a less strenuous route.  We will definitely be visiting the beach during our summer weekends in Hachinohe.  It is so great to cool off and soak up Vitamin D. 

This week was a sign of much busier times to come for my job.  I had a meeting with all of my Japanese English teachers to schedule when I would be assisting at their schools.  I am based at Haksundai junior high school, which means I am more involved in this school’s community.  I visit five other schools, one junior high and four elementary schools.  School officially starts up again after a summer break on Monday.  It is the middle of the school year.  The Japanese school year starts in April and runs through March.  They only have small breaks throughout the year with the summer break being the longest (a month).  Japanese students and teachers, pretty much work year round!!

Today I visited Haksundai for the first time.  I met the principal, vice principal and a few teachers and students.  I got a tour of the school, it is the newest in Hachinohe (5 years old).  It has special, fully equipped classrooms for art/shop, music, science, sewing and cooking.  Junior high in Japan is a bigger deal than in the U.S.  Students prepare for a high school entrance exam that determines where they will go.  I am expected to give a speech on Monday to the student body, in Japanese!! (have I mentioned how Japanese like speeches, especially when you are new!?) I also meet the Mayor Monday afternoon.  I will be sweating all day. 

This week I also helped correct a speech for the English speech contest, was videotaped for my authentic pronunciation of the speech and coached a student on reciting a story.  In September, Hachinohe students from throughout the city compete in a speech contest. It is a big deal.  I will be doing a lot of coaching for the next few weeks. Oh and I have to give a speech at this event as well. 

Finally, the first lesson I teach in Japan is tomorrow.  This lesson happens to be a lesson in French.  A group of students and teachers are going to New Caledonia (a French colonized island.)  I am filling in for a fellow ALT, Joe who injured his knee and is in the hospital recovering from surgery.   I am excited to use my French but a little nervous about my lack of Japanese language to explain misunderstandings.  Ganbatte – I will do my best. 

Friday night and I am live streaming morning edition on NPR.  This weekend will be busy with the French class, a few meetings and peach picking on Sunday.

wa ikura desu ka...

This post  is written by Todd:

We have often heard “Japan is expensive.”  But we don’t necessarily find that to be the case.  …speaking of cases, beer is more expensive.  And so are peaches, but they are humongous and probably the best peaches we’ve ever eaten outside of Georgia.  Rent seems to be similar; taxis, car prices, gas…but there are some things surprisingly cheaper.  Most food seems to be cheaper, especially seafood in Hachinohe.  Eating out is cheaper because there is no tipping in Japan!  Public transport.  Hotels.  It just depends on what you buy.  At the Homac store the other day (like home depot), we bought a bike for $100, a rice cooker for $50, a towel rod for $6, 30m of twine for $1, laundry detergent for $2, scotch sponges for $3…there’s also a 100 yen store where everything costs about $1.25.  But they want $500 for an iphone, and $12 for a 6 pack.  Anyway, it’s not more expensive than the states.  It just depends on how you want to live….like any other 1^st world country we suppose.  We especially like a bunch of exotic mushrooms for $1.

About the no tipping in Japan, it turns out Japanese people are more concerned about the harmony of society and their place in it, more than making a lot of money and being on top of the pile.  Of course there is capitalistic competition, but people here generally do not steal and do not want more money than they feel they deserve.  

Saturday, a few of the ALT's had dinner to welcome us to Hachinohe. We ate at a restaurant called Kaabe.            They welcomed us by serving a sea snail (sazi) that was alive and cooked in front of us. 

Back in Tokyo I witnessed 2 women exchanging money on the sidewalk.  One had given the other several hundred dollars (tens of thousands of yen) and she was flipping through the bills counting them.  A minute later they were in a heated argument.  The woman who paid was attempting to pay one bill more.  The woman receiving would not take it.  She was yelling and repeatedly tried to open the other woman’s purse and put it back in.  In turn, she would take it out and force it into her hand or put it on the table. Finally the woman quite forcefully grabbed the other woman’s purse, yelled quite loudly, shoved the money inside and ran away, looking back over her shoulder to make sure she wasn’t being followed.  For a Japanese person to receive more money than they’ve earned is viewed as a disgrace.  They are very careful with their money.  They do not fold it.  All of the bills we have received have no creases and are in good condition.  Every time we buy something—even at a “conveenie” (like 7-11)—you put the money in a tray, they say out loud how much you have paid, and give you your change on top of the receipt with 2 hands and head bowed.  It’s a little strange, but they have this respect for money that is quite different than in the states.  They also have a coin that is worth more than $5, so we’re attempting the same philosophy.

Kapa is a sushi restaurant that delivers your order by Shinkansen(bullet train).  

                                                                                                                             

As we biked around Saturday we came across a man watering the 

sidewalk and his turtle (kame).

Settling In

All things considered, there are only two kinds of men in the world-those who stay at home and those who do not. The second are the more interesting. 

                                                                                                                                 –Rudyard Kipling

It has been a busy week.  After having traveled to the West side of the Aomori prefecture to Goshogowara Tachineputa Festival by train last weekend.  Sunday, we slowly started settling into our apartment.  After unpacking a few bags, we resigned to resting in the living room/kitchen area of our apartment because it is the air-conditioned half.  We can close it off and read, cook and sleep in the cool non-humid air.  This week the weather has been warmer and very humid, 80’s with 60% humidity.  It has been nice to relax after work and make dinner at home.  We are lucky to have a fruit, vegetable, and fish grocer two blocks from where we live.  It is stocked with fresh, seasonal vegetables.  At home it is easy to eat meals that look and taste similar to meals we prepared in Seattle.  Tofu, vegetables stir fry on noodles or rice.  Todd has especially enjoyed trying a new mushroom variety every night.  An added plus, during our travels we were able to shop at a foreign food store and stock up on Thai green curry paste, coconut milk, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garbanzo beans, mustard, etc.  I feel good about being able to make salad dressing, hummus and curry once in awhile!

With our limited Japanese but equipped with lots of hand gestures and smiles, we were successful in buying Todd a momma-cherry bike.  This is the most common style bike in Japan an upright, fixed gear, cruiser style with a basket. I inherited one from my JET predecessor.  That evening we rode around town with a new found freedom and mobility.  We got lost on our way to a Japanese Ikea called Nitori.  Japanese roads are not marked with signs and most directions are given based on landmarks. Our saving grace was a fortuitous meeting on the street corner, another ALT, Lindsay on her way home.  She pointed us in the right direction with detailed directions in English!  We found the store and bought new sheets, a few dishes and other odds and ends for our apartment, limited to what could fit into our baskets. 

It is already Friday again.  This weekend, we look forward to exploring the Hachinohe coast, swimming in the ocean, meeting friends and continuing to settle into our Japanese life. 

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai

Sunday began the annual summer festival (matsuri) of Hachinohe Sansha Taisai (八戸三社大祭). It is the festival of the three shrines. There is a procession of twenty-seven floats, pulled by long ropes.  The floats barely make it around corners in the narrow streets. 

Sunday night, Renae and I wandered through the center of downtown admiring each float. The floats stay in one place and you can look at them from every angle. Taiko drummers, flutes and children chanting serenade the floats.  The town is full of people, food stalls and carnival style games.  My first experience at a Japanese festival, I was captivated by the detail of the floats and beautiful children in traditional yukata.  

On Tuesday evening, I got to participate in the procession of floats, pulling it through the town. Our float was pulled by the city office employees, so many of the ALTs in Hachinohe helped pull the float.  Before the parade, Japanese women dressed me piece by piece in the traditional yukata (summer kimono).  It was fun to be wearing the yukata I had admired a few days before.  

I was amazed at the crowd of people as we tugged the float through the streets.  I got many stares and heard many people wonder outloud, “gaijin!?" (foreigner). I waved and said, “hello” in response.

 

I can’t believe it is already coming to the end of my second week in Japan.  I look forward to welcoming Todd to Hachinohe on Friday and checking out another Aomori festival, Nebuta this weekend! 

 

Adjusting to ALT Life

Konnichiwa! I arrived in Japan almost a week ago. The most comforting thing about leaving all of the familiarity of home to live in a new country and become illiterate and foreign was the people I have met along the way.  I started my adventure in Tokyo at the JET orientation.  I was fortunate to tag along with Anna from Seattle.  She is fluent in Japanese and an expert on the Japanese music scene.  We were able to take in some Tokyo sights and a Japanese rock concert. Japanese girls even make “head-banging” look cute! 

After a few jet lagged days in Tokyo, it was time to board a plane to Aomori prefecture to begin our jobs as ALT’s (assistant language teachers). I arrived in Aomori to be greeted by “Welcome Amber” signs.  I felt very emotional and clumsy trying to remember my three Japanese greetings, bow properly and make a good impression.  Luckily. Mr. Nagai (my supervisor) speaks great English and went for the hand shake.  I was also met by Adam and Renae, some of my fellow ALT’s in Hachinohe. 

 

Adam is my “big brother” in town.  He is Canadian and aspires to be a famous screenwriter one day.  He is full of interesting story ideas and great restaurant recommendations.  I have enjoyed his company and help deciphering vegetarian menu options.

Renae is my “roommate” in Hach.  She is Australian which means she has a cool accent.  She graciously offered to let me stay at her apartment for the next week while I wait to move into my apartment.  Otherwise I would be hotel hopping, lonely and without internet and skype.  Today she took me to the “Universe” supermarket and patiently went through the store aisle by aisle as I explored.

It is an exciting time of year to start our lives in Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan.  I feel blessed to have met wonderful people to share this experience with. I look forward to becoming great friends, improving my Japanese and singing Karaoke.  

Watashi wa Amber-san no sensei desu.