I haven't touched this in forever, sorry. I've been really lax and just trying to relax after coming back to Sendai. I finally bought a couch and actually had people over.
I had my first visits to an elementary school this week. It was so much fun. I have another tomorrow. I feel like I hardly teach there and simply play games... but teaching 12 year olds about prepositions isn't really the point.
The first three pictures are from a trail in Sendai on Akiu; back in late November.
Surprise party at the Sapporo Beer Garden outside Sendai.
My man Fukuda san. The janitor. Hes talked to me since day 1, and is such a nice dude.
Mountain view from the school. I really like being able to see mountains in the distance.
Assembly
Students
Taxis outside Nagamachi station
Shibuya, TOKYO
I've always liked Shibuya. It always seemed a bit seedy to me.
Only in Japan. Santa's on motorcycles.
This is after I left New York. On the plane ride back to Japan. Sayonara, New York.
Over ALASKA
Coming of Age Day. Every person on the train besides me was either a girl dressed like this, or a guy in a suit. Every year they have a ceremony for everyone who turns 20, celebrating their coming of age into adulthood. In Japan, before 20, you're still considered a minor.
Sendai's Donto-sai festival. Kind of a goodbye to the previous year. People burn things to purify their lives for the upcoming year. Really, I just think its a way to get rid of your trash.
I can't tell you how cold it was that day.
First real snow in my area of Sendai.
The entrance to the East Nagamachi Elementary school. I laughed about immediately being told to go to the Principal's office.
The Japanese says, "Welcome to East Nagamachi elem."
The sixth graders I taught will become my students in April.
