Good Morning, Class!

So let me break it down for ya: I have 6 schools, 2 junior high, and 4 elementary. My first week I taught at Mutayama Junior High School for 3 days and then Mada Elementary on Friday, and last week I taught at Ryozan JHS on Tues-Thursday and went to Asakura-Higashi Elementary on Friday. Next week I'll be at Ryozan again for 3 days. It's a busy schedule, but I like it. :)
Teaching is, how can I say it.....INTERESTING. Despite the occasional "bad" kid and awkward question, it's really fun. The kids are very energetic and they ask me tons of questions. Anytime I'm in the hallways, kids say "DANIELLA, HELLO! HELLO!" I always ask "how are you" and they always say "I'm fine thank you, and you?" without fail. Every time. I guess it's something they learn right away in English class. I remember once when I was at Hosei, I was with some friends in the bookstore, and when I saw someone I knew, I asked them "How are you" and he said "I'm fine thank you, and you?" and I said "I'm fine, thank you" my other Japanese friends laughed said I sounded like an English teacher. Now I see why. It's only fitting really.
At Ryozan, it's basically impossible for me to walk from a classroom to the teacher's office without being stopped by students (there are like 750 students at Ryozan and 600 at Mutayama)! I have had kids ask me the basic questions like "are you from Canada?" "What Japanese food do you like?" and their favorite question: "Do you have a boyfriend?" Haha. You can tell who's gonna ask it before class even starts. Then you can him surrounded by his friends, working up the courage to ask, and then his hand goes up and you know it's coming. Boyfriend is "kareshi" in Japanese, so when I start to hear the word whispered, I know they're trying to find someone in the room that knows how to say in English. I think it's funny. :) A couple times when I say no, a boy will be like "CHANCE!!" um, as if! Once a boy even blew a kiss at me! When did 12 year boys get so forward? hahahaha. I've also been asked not-so-typical questions like: "Do they have banks in America?" um, yes. lots. "When people shoot and kill other people in America, do they get arrested?" um, yes? what? hahahaha They are always surprised when I say I like sushi or Studio Ghibli, or when they find out that I loved pokemon when I was their age. They can't believe when I say that "Satoshi" is called "Ash" in America, so then they start asking about all the other characters. I think they get disappointed when I say that Pikachu is still Pikachu. :)

But in all honesty, the classes are mostly really fun. I am exhausted when I get home though. My bike ride to Ryozan takes me 45 mintues! and it's all up hill! This whole week I passed out at like 8:30 on my (lovely) couch.

This past Friday, at an elementary school, the Vice Principal took a bunch of pictures of me while I was teaching. Here are some of them:

Dazaifu.

Last weekend Chris invited me to go spend time with him and his friend Yukiji. We met up with Yukiji's sister and her fiance for some delicious soba (noodles). They were served cold because it was a hot day. The restaurant was really nice, and everything I ate was seriously yummy.

Yukiji's sister Ayumi and her Fiance

Chris

tempura veggies and rice

Soba

During lunch it came to Yukiji's attention that Chris and I hadn't been to Dazaifu yet, so she took it upon herself to remedy that. I didn't know much about it, but I was eager to go do some sightseeing. There is a famous shrine there that students go to to pray for luck passing exams. I just prayed for luck that my students would be good! It was really beautiful there, as I find most of Japan to be.

Yukiji and Chris under the torii

Like White on Rice.

Here in Kurume, there are random rice fields scattered about the city. They are so pretty, and I've been meaning to take pictures this whole time, but I kept forgetting to bring my camera with me. Now that it is almost time for the rice to be harvested, I made a point to go get some pictures before it's too late! I think they really add to the charm of Kurume. I love biking past them, it makes me feel like I'm in a Studio Ghibli movie...... :)

Cheating on Bloo.

I recently encountered two words that changed my life: Cat Cafe.
Oh yes. Japan has read my mind and supplied a place to get a cute kitty fix! Basically, you pay about $10 to go into a super cute Ikea-like cafe and get to play with cats! Included is a drink and dessert. I personally selected hot chocolate and creme brulee, but there were other delicious options available including tiramisu and sesame ice cream.
The whole setup of the cafe is centered around the cats, so there are cool cats-only walkways on the walls and such. There was also a raised platform/lofty section that houses their cages for sleeping and toys. Underneath it is the litterbox area that can be reached by the cats through a small hole. It was a small space, but the design is pretty creative and comfortable.
The cafe takes in strays and rescues cats, so some of them had a few oddities...there was one cat that looked more like a bushbaby than a cat. And it had these weird flat ears and broken/crooked tail. It kept falling from great heights (without landing on its feet), and smacking straight into stuff! :( Poor kitty. but it was kinda funny.....
There were so many cats, and plenty of itty bitty kitties to go around. I managed to snuggle up with one that was super adorable!! I seriously wanted to take them all home with me.
Needless to say, I'll be going back there. Here is the website (click on "cats" to see adorable profiles of the cats...in Japanese, but with cute pics): Tenjin Cat Loft.

sleepy kitty!!

Feeding time