IrishOboe

Today wasn’t nearly as exciting as the previous days so I had a bit of time to catch my breath.  I’m not going to bed as early as I’d hoped because I got to reading more Memoirs of a Geisha and then my evening was gone (thanks for the book, Helen Louise!).

In the morning I IMed with Mom and talked on the phone with Andy for the first time since I’ve been in Japan.  Both contacts were very nice, then I picked up my gaijin card and got ready for school.  The bike ride there was much better having discovered how to change my gears, but Shimizu sensei was late so I had an awkward moment with the Kyoto sensei (VP) since we couldn’t understand each other.  It turned out fine.  I spent the time looking at materials Kayla left on my desk and other such things.  We dealt with various official business then Shimizu sensei invited me to watch a rehearsal of a play that the kids were doing at a competition soon.  It was a little hard to stay interested because I only caught a few words (mother, butterfly) but I enjoyed the set and watching the students.  I could definitely see the influence of Asian TV drama and movies.  It’s such a strangely exaggerated art form compared with Western tastes.  I was wondering if the students involved in drama did not have the same problem about being shy, especially around foreigners since they were so bold on stage, but as soon as it was over I was proved wrong.  The big, sparkling smile and commanding stance of one of the main characters dissolved into slumped, embarrassed girl with bowed head and hand covering her face at the moment the lights went down.  However, soon after the ending comments from the director Yukiko introduced herself to me with confident English, though she quickly melted into a puddle on the floor after I spoke with her a little.  I am so interested to learn how the other students react to me, and this after they’ve had ALTs before!  I cannot accurately describe her reaction.  Maybe that will go in one of the reflection categories.

Anyway, soon after that I left and it was raining just the smallest amount.  The ground was wet but I hadn’t brought rain gear and I thought I’d be fine.  Well, it’s a good thing I learned my lesson the easy-hard way.  At least I showed up at my apartment wet, muddy, and looking like a drowned rat than at school looking the same!  I set my clothes to soak and took a cold shower.  Brrr ah!  I then did a wash and checked email and cleaned a bit.  Soon after, however, I picked up my book and that was the end of that.

Mark and I did go out to dinner at a nearby Chinese place.  We don’t speak much but we introduced ourselves to the family owners and it seems like a great place to practice my Japanese in a relaxed, family atmosphere once I finally learn enough to start a conversation.  Darn those people who speak English so close by!

So, that was my day, and now I must go to bed.  I’m really quite tired though staying up until 12:30am doesn’t seem to prove it!