Oops...again

Hi! So I seem to have a habit of forgetting about my blog! Here's a run-down of the events since we last met:

*I had my first 'welcome party' (or 'enkai' in Japanese). It's basically an all-you-can-eat-and-drink fest. I encountered some interesting cuisine-fish scales and chicken skin...mmmm. This was followed by an 'after party' which involved karaoke and cocktails. The morning after my co-workers were looking a little worse for wear, hilarious!

*I bought a SUPER new bike, with two baskets-one on the front and one on the back! I'm very smitten; I've named her Betty. I can't wait to bling it up with some crazy Japanese gadgets.

*Went to an outdoor BBQ at one of my new friends'relatives place-they own a local farm, and I swear all of the Yubari melons come from their backyard. Needless to say I walked out with one under my arm. We played with fireworks (yeah, you can buy them at the convenience store here!!), and I made some new little friends-'we sang 'Heads, Shoulders, Knees & Toes' together!

*I signed myself up at the local video store, and borrowed a dvd to keep me sane in the rain we've been having.

*Went to the 'Bon Odori' festival in Yuni town. I wore traditional Japanese dress, danced, ate and played bingo! I then went back to my 'Japanese Mumma's' house for supper.

*Went to Sapporo orientation for three days and was incredibly happy to be having an English conversation with people at a normal speed again! It was extremely busy with workshops, seminars, training and welcome parties.

*I got taken into Sapporo for a facial!

*And...I started school yesterday! I had to do a welcome speech at the school assembly...in Japanese-I'm sure I made a million mistakes, but my JTE (Japanese Teacher of English) said I was fine ha ha-I think she was being nice! I met all of the students and staff, got a tour and sat in the staffroom planning my first lesson, which was today! I taught second and third graders (8th and 9th graders back home), I''m so worn out from repeating things over and over, and being super enthusiastic. I had maps and photos and stamps and games, I think it went over well!

So...that's it-I start at my second school tomorrow-wish me luck!!

Overdue Update

I've just realised I haven't updated my blog for a while! Probably because it's been crazy for the last week!

I started work this week, well not really work but going to the Board of Education office and sitting there trying to amuse myself. I've mainly been brushing up on my Japanese (because I'm told I'll be making speeches!), and getting to know my co-workers there. On various days I met the principles and English teachers of all the schools I'll be teaching at, and got a few more tours of the town fitted in-including the hospital and the library where I was paraded around the joint! On Wednesday I was invited to play softball with the Yuni Junior High school girls team (I accidentally confessed my playing of softball, but forgot to mention how long it has been since I've played!). Nevertheless I made a fool of myself and all the girls had a good chuckle at my clumsiness when I threw the ball to the wrong person. The training session went for about 3 hours, and I'm still a little bit sore from it all! Most days after i get home from work (read: 4.30...I finish at 4.15!), i take myself on a bike ride in the sun, and I'm really enjoying it! I'm not looking forward to winter where bike riding won't even be an option...

This weekend was quite eventful for me. On Saturday I took myself to Sapporo. It should have been more difficult than it was, but I guess luck was on my side because I got there no problems-with a train change and all! Sapporo was FANTASTIC!! It was great being amongst the hutsle and bustle of city life again. I went to the station's observation deck and took some amazing pictures of some amazing views of Sapporo-it seemed to stretch on for miles! I did some souvenir/gift shopping and then took myself for a wander around town and ran into a festival that was underway in the main street. There were about 20 taiko drums set up with kids aged about 4 or 5-bashing them with as much gusto as a full grown player-they were too cute. There was also a portable shrine being carried around, which was an amazing sight in itself. I got a little lost in the department stores, as well as overwhelmed at the amount of stuff, and floors, and staff!

I went to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and the gardens surrounding it were just amazing, people were relaxing and picnicing by the lake in the sun!

Amazingly enough, I also made it home without a hitch! And consequently fell straight into bed.

Today I went to Yuni Garden-a set up of gardens along the same lines as Floreade in Canberra. It was extremely English (there was even high tea!) and so equisite! I was a little snap happy.

Afterwards I took myself to Kuriyama (the next town-a little more populated), again on the train, and again without a hitch! I went to the 100 yen store there (and shopped up a storm of course) and also to the biggest supermarket for miles! On my way to the station a little old lady was quite surprised to see me, and dropped her bag!! It was quite funny, I seem to startle them quite a lot! I didn't quite time my shopping right, and ended up waiting an hour for the next train to get me home.

I also got my first piece of mail today! It was quite exciting. I also received a phone call from one of my Japanese "Mummas"who wanted to know what my favourite colour was so she could pick out a yukata (cotton summer Kimono) for me to wear to the next town festival! I can't wait to wear it! There's going to be a big town dance as well, and if I'm not too clumsy I'll be joining in!

Jaa, mata ne (Japanese for see ya later)