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First online entry: 1-19-00 Well, after failed attempts at keeping a handwritten diary, as well as composing periodic group emails to my family detailing my experiences in Japan, I thought I would give this online format a try. It seems convenient- I type much faster than I write by hand. Also, not only can my family members read about my day to day life here, but anyone else who is interested can also take a look. So, today was my first day back at a school since I returned to Japan a week and a half ago. I was supposed to start teaching last week, but I've had a lot of cancellations because the third-year students are busy with high school entrance exams- my classes are usually fun and games, which actually takes away from their serious study time. High school entrance exams are extremely important in determining a student's future, so they cannot be distracted from their studies at this point. Poor kids- I feel sorry for them. It must be stressful. So up till now, I have been sitting at the Board of Education office, trying to keep myself entertained. There is never much work for me to do at the office, but that's okay. Anyway, today I taught at one of my favourite schools, and it was a pleasure as always. The school is only a 10-15 minute bike ride from my apartment. I live near Ube's downtown, in an area that definitely looks urban, but somehow in the few blocks between my place and the school, the scenery changes, and I find myself feeling as though I am in a small town. The students are incredibly hyper. Even though they sometimes get rowdy, it is always in a good-natured sort of way. They make me laugh. I love walking through the hallways at this school; I can't walk five feet before I am greeted with a chorus of "Harro! Harro!!" I always leave the school smiling, it's a nice feeling. The weather so far has not been as cold as it was in December- or maybe I am just used to it- but apparently it's expected to snow soon. It probably won't snow much, because this is a relatively warm area of Japan, but I am looking forward to seeing some snow. It'll be a novelty for me. My dream is to sit in an outdoor onsen (hot springs bath) while it's snowing. I don't think I will be able to realize that dream unless I plan a trip up north- we'll see. Speaking of onsen, I went
to one for the first time this past weekend. It was wonderful.
I can tell this is going to be my new favourite activity. A bunch of JETs
around Yamaguchi-ken got together for a hike on an island called Oshima,
located on the eastern side of the prefecture, closer to Hiroshima. We
hiked around on a mountain for a while, and got to see some stunning views
of the island and the Inland Sea. The weather was beautiful, clear and
crisp. After our hike, we went to the onsen. I had been in ordinary public
baths before, but not onsen, which are natural hot springs, with water
that is supposed to be good for all sorts of ailments and tension. I was
really looking forward to it, and the onsen definitely lived up to my
expectations. The water was rust-coloured- murky with all sorts of good
minerals and things, I suppose... it made my skin feel baby-soft afterwards.
It was just great to lounge in the hot water, chatting with friends. There
was an indoor bath and an outdoor one on a balcony, overlooking a small
bay. It was beautiful. Afterwards, I felt relaxed beyond belief. I really
don't remember the last time I have felt that relaxed, and I am relatively
stress-free these days. I tell you, an onsen is great therapy! I was perfectly
content to drape myself on a sofa and lounge the rest of the evening,
basking in the onsen-induced bliss. I look forward to my next visit to
an onsen. Well, that's all for now... it's time to cook dinner! |