MotoChu Sobetsukai

A farewell party I shall never forget...

It was held in Nakijin at a country club sort of place where some of the teachers came earlier to play tennis and then we had an otsukaresama bbq. It was combined with a farewell for Dave and I. I dont know how to describe it... maybe thats why I have been procrastinating, apart from the legitamate reason that I have had no moments rest to sit down n write about it.

I hadn't known that it was a casual chilled-out affair, and I came slightly over dressed for the occassion. Well, that wasn't a big deal anyway (Thank god I didnt wear a sari). I wondered whether it would turn out the same way as regular parties: i.e. boring speaches as people were getting drunk and I not getting anything to eat (not that I am complaining..) I was wrong in wondering that because I had a great time. I got many things to eat, and great conversations with teachers. Plus I spoke to Sawako san on the phone and finally fixed a day to meet. She turned out to be a big help for Ishigaki.. more of that on the blog post on Ishigaki....

Anyhow.

There were many endless otsukare speaches that finally came to a halt. Then it was david and my turn to give speaches. Dave made me go first translating for me. He was drunk by tht time so I mistrusted his translation, but akemi sensei said that he was doing well.

I hadnt prepared any speach, but spoke from my heart. I talked about how it had been difficult for me at MotoChu, and how things had drastically improved this year. That I finally felt comfortable n helpful and was enjoying being part of the school, helping with the story contest and all. I felt I finally had a purpose. (Its so strange that the situation at KamiChu and MotoChu got interchanged this new session.) I talked about how the staff at MC was most kind and eating kyuushoku with them was always enjoyable. I always felt warmly welcomed by the staff (not that at othr schools I felt like trash!! But it was always easy and stress free with them At here the teachers made up for the kids behaviour last year). I told them how I wish I wasn't leaving now when it became so much better. and I ended by saying thanks for the great times...

Dave's turn came and he did a weird speech in which his passion and crescendo increased with each person he thanked. I was embarrassed at his drunken offensiveness!! For example, to the science teacher, one of the senior teachers, he says "I have no idea what you are here for but thank you!!" But Megumi sensei (a darling person) started crying and looking at her, I too had to... how would I not? once the dam was broken... it came pouring down.

Then they brought out a gift for Dave. It was a Jimbei with slippers, fan and headband saying Nihon in kanji. They made him put it on over his clothes. It was funny seeing drunk Takemi sensei helping a drunk Dave put a jimbei on over his clothers...

Then came my turn. I totally felt like a didnt deserve anything, but that their love was enough. They got me a yukatta with geta, fan and obi. Its so beautiful and I totally felt overwhelmed that they would something so extravagant and yet so... touching. They made me put it over my clothes and we posed for pictures

The most touching part was Takemi sensei's speech. Whatever he said calmed my worries and doubts and hurt Moika had caused. he said that he known I was having a rough time in the beginning and that the kids don't know how lucky they are and that is was a rare opportunity for them to meet someone from India... they will remember me when they will have grown up. he said he felt sorry that he didnt recruit me beforehand for helping with the story contest., His words were really encouraging. He was quite intoxicated by that time and had some difficulty focusing on constructing whole sentences in english! But those words came from the heart. I became so emotional! Gosh! its cruel... leaving...

But on a brighter note.. Here's the team Eigo - Natsuko sensei, me, Akemi sensei, David and Takemi sensei !!

elephant

Ie, here I come again...

I went to Iejima one last time, and this time I went with my scooter. I took the last ferry from Motobu, at the last minute, dodging important discussions with Sup. No, not really... Dave had it under control. I reached Josh's apartment and his teachers/neighbours instantly assumed I was his girlfriend. Anyhow, I headed off to Mt. gusuku to see the sun go down and after I came down, I got stopped by a bunch of old islanders who were curious to know about a foreign non-white girl riding around on a baiku by herself. They made me sit down with them and shot questions at me which I was glad to understand and answer to. But I was getting nervous as it was getting late and I had to join Josh at a teachers BBQ, for which I was already late anyway. I finally reached the beach having gotten lost in the dark country roads a couple of times.. I didn't even know if I landed up at the right BBQ until Yamaguchi sensei wildly flayed his arms and yelled over to me! I met him and his wife Ayumi, and all the teachers of Ie Junior high school. Yamaguchi sensei's wife is very pregnant. Her due date in 13 Aug, a day after I leave. So she was making a joke to give birth quickly. And, of course, I guessed correctly that its a girl!!

(I look pregnant in this picture too!! funny!)

The next morning, she got Josh and I breakfast :> yum...grilled cheese sandwich!! Then I headed out to explore Ie on my scooty. I wanted to cover as much ground as possible and therefore justify my bringing my scooter in the heat!

I headed over first thing to the famous Pawn Shop Ruins.

then I went to the Ernie Pyle Monument

After some confusion, and lovely views,

I reached the Niya Thiya cave where if one can lift a particular coral rock easily, then one is about to have a girl. But if one is unable to do so at ease, one is to have a boy-child. I am not pregnant, but I tried to lift it, and it seemed quite a task.... will I have a boy? Gosh, I want a girl!! (I can't)

Then I rode around trying to find a temple! Gave up and ended up on the deserted airstrip. (Only picture I have of my bike!!! so cherished...)

In a sudden thought I realised while trying to find the daffodil park, that the ferry times had changed for the summer. and that if there was any chance I would go to the Farewell BBQ, I'd have to leave on a sooner ferry. So i head back to the port area, but not before taking a detour to some holy spot (the name of which I don't remember...) It was near the turtle tower though!

Don't know if ever I will come back here, I hope I do! Its such a neat little island! love you, Ie, standing there in ocean spread out!

hurt

sometimes people do things that hurt another person. sometimes its not intentional, but other times it is.

I am not sure about this particular instance, which hurt me grievously... It was one of the students... She hates me... and this isnt the first time she affected me this way. Once before in class, she shouted at me as to why I was there, that I wasnt American, why was I then teaching English... At another instance she had peevishly asked when Amy was going to come. Why did I come to that school so much. I wondered what I was doing wrong that Amy and David were doing right. I thought maybe its because I am not American {as in caucasian}. I tried my best to be good to her. I never did anything bad anyway, as far as I know. I forgot what had happened and thought everything was ok, but today she clapped when I said it was my last class and said yay when I said I am going back to India in August. I couldnt understand her irrational hate. But I couldnt feel any other emotion but hurt. I dont hate her back, nor do I dislike her. I cant like her just yet and it will take a little time to follow gabrielle and love her back.

For my last lesson I gave students things from India as prizes for asking questions about India, or anwsering those that I asked. The third years were completely unenthusiastic apart from one or two students. Their ungenkiness made me feel worse... I honestly tried my best... The second years were my saving grace.

I feel I failed as a teacher. Even one student having such strong feelings against me as a judement of my teaching. Inspite of the fact that at that school, hiromi sensei does the teaching and ALTs follow her lead... In my future, I want to teach. I want it to be my livelihood. Its silly in a way that I let her affect me that much... One student cannot be a reflection of my teaching. Especially one who is obviously troubled... It still doesnt stop the hurt. It seems like my year here been useless. I have not achieved anything. The kids are glad I am leaving and that there will be American ALTs again.

This got me thinking, how subtle cultural differences exist, and these difference, can grow into mountain between people. Isnt this the beginning of racism? When we refuse to allow people their differences?

Many people misunderstood me. They never realised that maybe its a cultural difference that I did/said/felt the way I did... I am Indian, and its easy to forget that as I dont behave like the stereotypical image of an Indian person. I now know why Tokashiki happened, I was trying too hard to fit in and didnt realise that I was undergoing culture shock. I never experienced culture shock from the Japanese, I was too much like them myself. It was all the western ALTs that made me feel different and uncool. I wanted to be like they were, and felt I couldnt live upto their standards. I was so naive, n still am... I was friendly with everyone, n still want to be so... I dont hate anyone, even though I know many people dont like me ... I have drifted apart. I am sad... but maybe this might make returning easy. but I do not want to end it this way. I am conflicted. May Ishigaki be my saviour...

bye bye Minna Island

Today was my last day at Minna Jima Shogakko. I went to the island yesterday and stayed over with one of the teachers, Koze sensei. I had this day planned out for a long time, and everyone was very supportive of my plan. I believe I gave them some novelty from their everyday routine life.

I never took the ferry at that time of day. It was nice and cool, with very few tourists on board (an unlikely thing to occur for the summer season). I met a Minna jima family on the ferry, which turned out to be relatives of Akanes. As soon as I arrived, I made a pudding at the school quickly, and then headed over to beach to see the sunset.

On the way, they got me shaved ice, passion fruit flavor. It was some of the best stuff I ever tasted.

After seeing the sun go down, we proceded to walk home while lightening fell near Ie-jima. The teachers then took me to Yuki and Riki's house for dinner. I felt guilty putting Yuki and Riki's mom on the spot trying to concoct something for me to eat. But its ok... they knew I was vegetarian. We played trump after dinner till the boys got tired. After tucking the boys in bed, we women chatted. An interpretor was called, a friend of the mom and lifeguard at the beach. He spoke very good english having picked up the language living and teaching snowboarding in Utah in the winters. He gave me valuable advice for climbing Fuji-san, and we had an interesting coversation of English teaching in Japan.

The next day, it was thunderstorming outside. Koze sensei had gone to school early, but I kept sleeping and wasn't required to be at school until my class. I wore my sari and reached school before ten. Prepared my lesson, did the class at eleven thirty,

ate kyushoku, etc and then the school had a small ceremony for me. It was bittersweet. When boarding the ferry, Koze and Nao senseis gave me the cutest gift. Slippers of Minna-jima made by Akanes mom, and sea shells from the island. I bid goodbye with awkward hugs, and flying kisses to Riki, who came to the port. I cried a little on the ferry. If I get the oportunity, I will go back once more, but who knows if there will be time on my hands..

So, til then, goodbye Minna jima...

sayonara

Motobu Shogakko gave Dave and I our farewell or Thank you paachi today. I handed over my camera to a teacher who took these pictures for me. This is us sitting at the place of honour:

This is one of the teacher taking the juhi quiz:

This is us getting swamped by the students shaking hands, high-fiving and waving bye bye:

one final goodbye picture:

The kids are so sweet. Its a shame I never got to meet them properly. I always got scheduled with the same two or three classes. Ah well..

Friday the thirteenth

Man-yi is raging. This was the condition outside my house some time ago:





Apart from the rainwater that entered my apartment, nothing major broke or went wrong. Only my bike was thrown off balance by the wind. The seat had flown open, my helmet that I kept inside it had rolled off some distance away getting soaked completely. I also kept the bikes manual in there; they were soaked too. I just got the bike serviced, I hope it will be alright... poor thing...

台風 Typhoons a comin

my first real typhoon warning in Okinawa... had to go to sesoko elementary school today... all my material kept flying off because of the wind... sesoko hashi [bridge] will be closed soon... so classes were wrapped up early... was my last day at that school... bittersweet... i will miss them... anyhow, students helped kocho sensei to put all the plants and things kept outside, in the building... wind blew dust into my eyes as soon as i approached sesoko hashi... had to exert extreme caution riding my scooter on the bridge and going uphill... saw an accident happen in front of my eyes today, no-one got hurt thankfully... went shopping for supplies - have canned food, snacks, batteries, candles, toilet paper, ume onegiri ... filled every container with water... charging my ipod now... if only the electricity and phone lines dont get cut... as long as i have the internet to keep me company safe in my house... Typhoon 4 or {man-yi} looks bad...its East/West Red TC - 1... maybe it will last in the night... approaching okinawa soon... my sliding doors are rattling... sumo is on, so i am entertained... what is it about watching fat men jump at false starts and then fight for a few seconds... its just pure fun, without any blood or violence... anyhow...

Peaceful Love

It was the 25th anniversary of the Peaceful Love Rock Festival in Okinawa City, Okinawa. It is the biggest modern music event in Okinawa, with over twenty most famous bands of Okinawa. It is a two day event, and the first day recent noveau bands perform, while the second day is reserved for the older bands. We only went for the first day, as most ALTs decided to go to another event on the second day, and I depend on others for a ride, and have no will of my own with such a dependence :> I would have liked to go on the second day too, afro mania, murasaki and begin were performing that day.

anyhow, my favourite band for the day was a girl band called Bleach. they were hard core heavy metal. The lead singers eyes popped out of their sockets as she belted out the song. she kicked the mic stand in the passion of the song, but kept singing on while playing her guitar, stooping to the ground, while a stagehand had to hold the mic for her; and in the end, anticlimactically, she thanked the crowd with the sweetest of arigato gozaimas. I loved her. This is right before she knocked the microphone over:



There was a ridiculous band before Bleach, which had me in splits. They wore the most silly costumes and came upon the stage oiled up singing the Peaceful Love Rock Exercise. I dont recall their bands name...



Rachel, her friend Izumi and I happened to have the same model and colour keitai. We were sitting next to each other and suddenly realized it.



Taking pictures werent allowed, and there were many muscular marines hired to snatch the devices from unrelenting folkes. I just managed to sneak the pics through :>

American Independence Day Celebrations

My first 4th of July celebrations. The consulate invited all American JETs to the consulates event,and one guest was permitted to everyone, so Dave asked me if I would be interested in going too. I thought it would be interesting, so I went along with him and liz, who carpooled with us. There were anthems, speeches, military stuff, hulas, food, cookies, great friends...

I told my partners in crime to look American when I clicked this pic... {Dave is tryin to look stern and Liz is doing a dumb look... brilliant expression guys!!! }


The flag-bearers:

The Silent Drill Platoon:

Toothfairy, please come..

isn't it gross? The dentist gave such a cute container to keep it though....

Wisdom uprooted

It isn't really wisdom here, but nonetheless it is some kind of intelligent sense that is about to be uprooted at the dentists office today! I mean, who in their right minds would go there and have someone tug and yank the living bejesus of a tooth out your mouth? But I am foolish, for I am about to sacrifice myself at the Altar of Dentistry. Some may say I am in fact wrong to say so, and wise to be going after much dilly-dallying delay... but I still have mortal fear and dread for the thing that is to happen. What if I go into coma and die like Pravin's friend? Or what if I just bleed to death? Can someone please tell me why I was so 'genki' about getting an appointment this morning? And why I am doing this again?

But, no... I think I really learnt my lesson on Friday! I couldn't sleep as my wisdom tooth decided to bug me again. sometime very late in the night, I woke up in pain and took a brufen. i fell asleep for what seemed like hours, when it may have just been a momentary flash of a sleep... I don't really know! so when I woke up thinking the tablet has worn off too quickly, I took another. In the vagueness of the night, I hadn't realised that maybe the first tablet hadn't had the time to kick in! So I ended up taking two strong doses. In the morning I woke up to what I thought was my alarm, and spent 15 mins on the John thinking its 6 o'clock. I came back to hit the snooze again only to realise that it is actually my Board of Education calling!! and that it was much, much closer to 10am!! You see, I had put my ringtone as my alarm so that my sleepy mind would think its someone calling! my ingenious plan back-fired when I thought it was my alarm was ringing and it was actually my supervisor calling me! I had overdosed myself conveniently sleeping through all my 6 alarms! I ran helter-skelter and reached school terribly late, having missed 2 classes. It was elementary school and everyone knows how dearly I hold on to those visits; to have missed a class there was the worst thing to happen. Especially as at MotoSho, there are many kids who I have never had a class with! It is ironic, as just the day before this happened to me, David was late for Sakimotobu Elementary School because he overslept and I had been so judgemental! I felt terrible the whole time for missing a class (they re-scheduled one class but couldn't do so for both the periods I had missed) And at lunch time, the Kyoto sensei, who talks about this everytime he sees me, repeated once again to my extreme mortification, about how in India people schedule a meeting but are late for one hour, two hours, three hours, until the person waiting leaves, but that person bears no ill-will towards the person who stood him up as the hearts are kind and no-one minds!! I just hid my face in my hands and begged forgiveness, one teacher who can speak english a little explained my hurting wisdom... (tooth, that is ...)

Anyhow, if in some odd chance I dont come out of this alive, then please know that I love you and will miss you! thank you for being part of my life! also, please let barima and babaji know I remembered them! and release my body into the ocean, don't cremate or bury me! And donate my eyes, heart and kidneys! And give my stamp collection to Paroma! And my literature notes and books to Isa and Aditi! My ryukyu glasses to Varsha! and the knick-knacks I made over the years to Gayu! and inform Cherie, I dont know if she reads my blog! And, there is still so much that I need to do and say, but I need to signout and go to the dentist now! Once again, thank you for being a part of my life and forgive me my stupidities! love u! hontoni!

カメ さま

my busy week

the last week has been one of the busiest week of this year I spent in Okinawa.... see how...

After the event for the kids from hokkaido, i came back home and busied myself in preparing lessons for elementary schools this whole week. I donno when I went to sleep. Next day, I show up at work to discover the schedule has been changed. Instead of the classes, I will just be cooking with the kids.. I had thought we will cook after lunch... Anyhow, it turned out all good. even though i had to call my mom frantically in the morning to ask how to make puri....




So that was Tuesday. Cooking with Sesoko Shogakko go and roku-nen-seis {5th and 6th grades}

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Wednesday, I had a Minna jima visit. {Its the school with four students, on another island} I love going to this school... who wouldnt... we get to take a ferry, which leaves at ten o clock so we get to sleep in later and there is one english class with the sweetest of kids... I had to play kick baseball with the kids and teachers in my skirt... it was exhausting - and in the heat even more so - and I came back home and fell asleep on my couch. and didnt bother to wake up for badminton. This the edge of the island from the ferry, and you can see the rest of Okinawa honto {mainland} in the background:

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Thursday, I had Kamimotobu Shogakko. another round of tiring classes, and since Saturday was fast approaching, Dave and I made two visits at MotoChugakko once after lunch, and then after school. It was a beautiful sunset that day....

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Then Friday, Book Club. Discussed The Idiot by Dosteovsky... loved the book... would give more insightful comments some other time... this was the unique sunset off the coast of Chatan, from te balcony of our book club cafe Celluloide...

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Saturday, the story contest. On the right is Mari, whose story was Yertle the Turtle, and on the left is Yumi, who narrated a horror story called The Viper. These kids were fantastic. For practice, they came on time and never complained, worked hard at their tasks. But the competition was stiff and they didnt place... As all things Japanese, there seems no pattern... But diajobu... ce la vie...

Thats Takemi sensei in the middle. his English is great, and his deep resonant voice keeps the rowdy kids in check with one shout. Anyhow, higashi bens kid got first place, Rogers horror story got second and third place went to a girl whose story wasnt very interesting, but her pronounciation was very good.

After the story contest, the hardworking ALTs came to my house to bitch about each others kids ;p

So, I wore my sari and looked pretty for hokkaido kids, I taught kids how to cook indo-curry and nan {it was actually potato sabji and puri}, I learned how to play kick baseball, I had a highly interesting discussion on a literary masterpiece, I helped my largest school with a prominent competition, I had the pleasure of great company at my house, and I still had time to appreciate the wonders of nature.