You would think that Saturday would be my day to rest, but I have discovered that there is really no such thing as a weekend in Japan. Saturdays have become my "club day."
For example, this morning Bea and I went to "English Cafe" at our school. It is a program sponsored by the graduate school to encourage people to speak and learn English. They have a different English guest speaker every month, and they basically sit and talk to the students that come for about two hours. The guest speaker was a woman named Heidi, who is actually a teacher in the JET program, something I am considering doing after I graduate. She is an English language teaching assistant in an elementary and middle school in Nara. Although I didn't really care much for her flippant American jokes that seemed somewhat tactless, I got to meet some cool people, including a Tawainese girl who spoke flawless English. Her name was Kimi and she seemed like a lot of fun so we might go out soon. Hooray for new friends!
Shortly after English Cafe I had to get ready for soccer. This meant changing, scarfing down lunch, and quickly photo copying Monday's worksheets (I borrowed Bea's textbooks.) Soccer practice was fun (as usual), and even though it was hot, we at least had a breeze today so it was bearable. I love my soccer teammates more and more every day that I am with them. They are the most easygoing Japanese people that I've met so far.
Immediately after soccer practice I showered, ate, and met with Bea to go to E.S.S. Today we had to translate English sentences into Japanese, which was a lot more difficult than it seems. It was good practice for Bea and I-- we actually got to learn something about Japanese grammar. Next, we lisened to a song from Princess Mononoke (the English version) and had to fill in the blanks on a sheet of paper. Then we had free talk time and met in our musical groups. Exciting update on the musicals: I get to participate! I am going to be part of The Little Mermaid musical! (*cue fan girl squee*) Afterwards, as per E.S.S. tradition, everyone went to McDonalds. Bea and I got to talk with two girls in one of our classes, both of whom are super nice. It was good for me to practice speaking Japanese.
So, although my day was jam packed with activity and the fact that I was running on five hours of sleep, I had a lot of fun. Also, I have been named a UNCG PAL for next semester, which means I get to be the "tutor" for an exchange student. I found out that the girl I am a PAL for goes to school in Kyoto! Her name is Ryoko and we've already become facebook friends. I am hoping that we can meet up in Japan before she comes to Greensboro.
It's a small world after all!
For example, this morning Bea and I went to "English Cafe" at our school. It is a program sponsored by the graduate school to encourage people to speak and learn English. They have a different English guest speaker every month, and they basically sit and talk to the students that come for about two hours. The guest speaker was a woman named Heidi, who is actually a teacher in the JET program, something I am considering doing after I graduate. She is an English language teaching assistant in an elementary and middle school in Nara. Although I didn't really care much for her flippant American jokes that seemed somewhat tactless, I got to meet some cool people, including a Tawainese girl who spoke flawless English. Her name was Kimi and she seemed like a lot of fun so we might go out soon. Hooray for new friends!
Shortly after English Cafe I had to get ready for soccer. This meant changing, scarfing down lunch, and quickly photo copying Monday's worksheets (I borrowed Bea's textbooks.) Soccer practice was fun (as usual), and even though it was hot, we at least had a breeze today so it was bearable. I love my soccer teammates more and more every day that I am with them. They are the most easygoing Japanese people that I've met so far.
Immediately after soccer practice I showered, ate, and met with Bea to go to E.S.S. Today we had to translate English sentences into Japanese, which was a lot more difficult than it seems. It was good practice for Bea and I-- we actually got to learn something about Japanese grammar. Next, we lisened to a song from Princess Mononoke (the English version) and had to fill in the blanks on a sheet of paper. Then we had free talk time and met in our musical groups. Exciting update on the musicals: I get to participate! I am going to be part of The Little Mermaid musical! (*cue fan girl squee*) Afterwards, as per E.S.S. tradition, everyone went to McDonalds. Bea and I got to talk with two girls in one of our classes, both of whom are super nice. It was good for me to practice speaking Japanese.
So, although my day was jam packed with activity and the fact that I was running on five hours of sleep, I had a lot of fun. Also, I have been named a UNCG PAL for next semester, which means I get to be the "tutor" for an exchange student. I found out that the girl I am a PAL for goes to school in Kyoto! Her name is Ryoko and we've already become facebook friends. I am hoping that we can meet up in Japan before she comes to Greensboro.
It's a small world after all!
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