Today I went to a teachers conference at Hase elementary. All I was told is that I had to sing a song today, I didn't know it was a big conference! Sometimes life in Japan is like playing a game where you don't know the rules. I try to work out the rules as I go along. It would be helpful if the japanese people told me more about what's happening. To them, it's commonsense, I think, so that don't undrestand that I don't have a clue most of the time. Oh well, It's OK. It turns out there were a couple of hundred people in suits from all around the area, including the mayor and board of education staff. They were coming to look at english teaching lessons at Hase elementary. My part was simple. I got to watch the other teachers teaching english for a change!. For my part, I sang a song (with the kids too, not by myself) called 'furu sato' or 'my childhood home' in the school gymnasium where the main assembly was held. It's really a very sweet song about one nostalgic memories of life as a child. I had the lyrics to read (in hiragana) my hiragana is OK now and I am quite comfortable reading it. Katakana is OK too.
We sung it through once with the kids. It really sounds very sweet. The elementary kids are so
cute, they did lots of little skits, songs and dances. One for each grade. Dressed up in colourful costumes, it was nice to watch.
The language barrier is a little difficult at times. Its strange being the only european in a huge room full of people. The only one who speaks english fluently. I spent alot of time listening to japanese speeches that I did not understand. Oh well, I don't mind really. I'm learning japanese slowly and can usually express myself. Its the comprehension that takes more time, I think. I've only been here a couple of months! I think after a year, I will be much better. Everyone is very polite and nice to me.
I spend so much time in my own little world here though. Its interesting. Normally, in NZ I would be surrounded by english speakers and talking english everyday to lots of people. That's certainly not the case here. I find that I hardly speak english at all! When I do, it's the kind of halted english that is simplified for easy understanding and not the normal flow of speech. I should mention however, there are people I can speak naturally to, Chika for instance is very good and all the other ALTs in the area.
I had been asked to Kendo lessons (japanese sword fighting) on a Friday evenings but I had t o decline. Friday evenings is when I usually meet with other ALTs. We go to a restaurant or meet up and chat. I think it's important for me to keep those connections alive, to have the opportunity to speak normal english every once in a while. Don't you think?
Overall, I'm very happy. It's good not having the usual mad flow of information into ones head. I find myself much more peaceful without the need to talk and comprehend speech every moment. It is quite a tranquil feeling. Japan is certainly a beautiful country and i really like the place where I live. The forested mountains are so beautiful and the country life is sweet. It's a completely different lifestyle here from the one I had in New Zealand. A new life even. I feel good though it's completly different. Japan is certainly in new chapter in my book of this life. New friends, a new country, a new job, new food, a new language etc... it's a world apart and good I think. Being away from New Zealand makes me realise how isolated NZ is and how the culture there is the way it is - in an objective way. It is certainly not the only culture. The JET program really is "internationalising" my world-view! As time goes on I'll continue to write. I hope this spiel is not too long!. I guess its up to me to write as much as I want. I feel I could write pages! Anyhow, I'll save it until next time. see you. Love from Japan.