I am totally amazed at how much the students revere the visiting American teachers. I could barely get down the hall - much less get out of a classroom - without students surrounding me to sign something - anything for them. I even signed shirts, shoes, and bookbags! Why is it my students in Florida don't treat me like this? :)
To my students who made the hands postcards - I have a nice surprise for you from students here; you'll see it when I return.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Name that food
Today we visited an elementary school in Isahaya. I was invited to lunch with the 6th graders and this is what I was served. Any guesses on what I ate?
One note to my students - the students here served the food and cleaned up & washed all the dishes afterwards. And all seemed happy to do it!
(sticky rice, cucumber salad, fried chicked, egg soup, whole milk, orange - but you couldn't eat the orange till all your food was eaten.)
One note to my students - the students here served the food and cleaned up & washed all the dishes afterwards. And all seemed happy to do it!
(sticky rice, cucumber salad, fried chicked, egg soup, whole milk, orange - but you couldn't eat the orange till all your food was eaten.)
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Good Vibrations
There was a festival at Nagasaki University when we visited. All in all it was a festive atmosphere - all sorts of student food vendors, students dancing, and this group of students performing rock music on a stage.
Nagasaki University meeting
We were fortunate to be able to meet with sereral influential people at Nagasaki University. The American teachers (after taking off our shoes before we entered the meeting) spoke with the Dean of Education and several other teachers, students, and administrators about perceptions of American and Japanese education. Some points I found interesting to note: in general, education is seen as being VERY important to Japanese parents and students; low birth rate in Japan is providing for fewer teaching positions; students who are falling behind have to attend "cram schools"; schools don't have guidance counselors (but some will be getting some in January); immense pressure for students to succeed on entrance exams (for high school and college); Japanese are implementing environmental education based on their observation of such programs in the U.S.
At the conclusion of our visit, the university presented us with a gift of a little ceramic cup made by special education students.
At the conclusion of our visit, the university presented us with a gift of a little ceramic cup made by special education students.
Welcome to Nagasaki
Monday we left Tokyo and went to our host city, Isahaya, in Nagasaki prefecture (prefectures are a little like our states in the US). On the plane ride our group leader, Meg, gave us an assignment: we had to learn how to introduce ourselves in Japanese. Watashi wa Florida no Boca Raton kara kimashita Tracey Petruff desu. Watashi wa ko-ko de Bijutsu wo oshiete imasu. Meg said I did really well on the assignment. :)
(I said: "I am Tracey Petruff from Boca Raton, Florida. I am a high school art teacher.")
(I said: "I am Tracey Petruff from Boca Raton, Florida. I am a high school art teacher.")
Monday, November 22, 2004
Kamakura Buddha
This is Kristi, my partner in crime for the day. We hopped a train to Kamakura and sought out this huge Buddha. My guide book said that this site had been a refuge for battered wives to get away from their husbands; unfortunately unless they made it into the sacred grounds, their husbands still "owned" them and could do with them as they wished. (?!!!) It's a very different place today! It was a nice stop.
The incense still lingers on my clothes...
The incense still lingers on my clothes...
Kamakura trolley
I've been taking photos of all the different kinds of transportation for especially for my godson, Bernie. They seem to have taxis in every hue (I wonder if the drivers get to pick their color), and not as many bicycles and mopeds as I would have expected. Fortunately for me, the mass transit system here is awesome - it's just a trick trying to navigate when all the signs are in Japanese!
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Ali and me
On the way to the metro train, I saw this sign in the station. Can you see me in the photo? And when you can tell me what the sign says, would you post it in the comments? Arigato gozaimasu! Thanks!
Cousin Joe
This summer I found out I had a cousin - in Japan! Joe and his family live on the US Air Force base near Tokyo, and I was fortunate enough to meet him Friday night for dinner. Dad, he's also got a wicked sense of humor - I guess that must run in the family :)
Fish Fish FISH!
Though this photo is out of focus, I think it begins to show the crazy - yet highly organized - atmosphere of the famous fish market. Fish is a staple of the Japanese diet, and I'm hoping that after seeing this photo, you haven't cancelled it from yours! I've got to go wash the stink off my shoes and clothes now!
Plastic dinner
Thursday night I ventured out and found dinner at a little Japanese place that reminded me of the food courts you see at the mall. Except for the plastic food! This is certainly a far cry from Mc Donald's! My dinner was second row, far right (I think everyone needs to try eating noodle soup with chop sticks!).
Friday, November 19, 2004
Tasty tempura
Mmmm! Lunch today was on tatami mats (yes, I'm sitting on the floor) and consisted of tempura (fried veggies & shrimp), rice, some kind of custard (that wasn't sweet!), miso soup, and tea. Unfortunately, Danielle, we didn't have any "ricecream"... :(
Gate to Asakusa temple
We went on a tour of the Diet (seat of government, not the latest eating trend!), and to another area of Tokyo called Asakusa. This photo is of an entrance to the temple in Asakusa. An interesting note - there were incense burners and a fountain of water for us to use to "purify" ourselves as we entered the temple area. (Remind me to tell you about the fortune sticks!)
Welcome_to_Japan
Here I am...FINALLY in Japan! Long flight here! I hope this isn't the last thing I see written in English!
Chariot to Japan
Here's the plane we took to Tokyo...a double decker! I hope to see the upper deck on my return flight home.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Made it to Tokyo!
Hi, all!
Just a quick note to let you know that I've arrived in Tokyo safely. We have been on the go since I started this whole journey, and it looks like they're going to keep us busy. Today I have an orientation to Tokyo, and then we are taking a tour. Look later to see some of the sights!
Just a quick note to let you know that I've arrived in Tokyo safely. We have been on the go since I started this whole journey, and it looks like they're going to keep us busy. Today I have an orientation to Tokyo, and then we are taking a tour. Look later to see some of the sights!
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Morikami Education staff to the rescue
Yesterday I was able to get my business card translated into Japanese, thanks to the very patient ladies in the Education department at the Morikami. How very exciting! Thank you! 10 more days!
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