This morning I came in to work enjoying some warmer weather and sunshine. Our students are back into a normal routine, except for the first years, who still are doing orientations. Monday will be their first normal day at school, and my first class with them.
Today I had just one class in the morning with Mr. Hayashi. It is another English proficiency preparation class, and it was full of third year girls that love to joke around with Mr. Hayashi. They sat right up front in front of us, and enjoyed the chance to joke and flirt with him, and Mr. Hayashi also enjoyed the chance. We did manage to do a class, but I can tell over the entire year that this will be one of those classes where I wait patiently at the side of the classroom with most of the other students while Mr. Hayashi chats with just a couple of students.
After class I went in to get a chest X-ray with all the other teachers and students. It’s a mandatory procedure in the public school system, and I’m happy to have it done. The vice principal seemed a little worried that I might freak out, but hey, it doesn’t cost me anything and it’s good to know that everything in there is going OK.
At lunchtime I walked over to the local Seiyu mall and there was a new restaurant there – a Danish hot dog place. I don’t know much about Danish hot dogs, but there was a Danish guy working there, and he told me all about his trials and ordeals living in Japan. While he was toasting the hot dog buns he told me the story, bringing his face close to mine when emphasizing a point. He had wet, glassy eyes, and I kept thinking that I wouldn’t likely trust this guy outside of buying a hot dog from him. He showed me a picture of his old restaurant that he had built from scratch somewhere north of here, with authentic Danish architecture. The whole meal was slightly depressing, but I promised to eat a hot dog in front of all the teachers in the staffroom, so let’s hope that helps business a bit.
Once school ended I came home and met Kuniko in the early evening. We ate at the local Korean restaurant chain inside Ito Yokado, and then came back to my place to catch up on each other’s week. It sounds like her new school is keeping her busy, but she’s not working as many hours as her old school, so at least that is a relief.
We’re going to meet up again on Saturday for a drinking party with some Takasago Minami and ex-Takasago Minami teachers, so that should be a good time. I’ll get a chance to hang out with some of the younger teachers – which is a rare thing for me. I’ve been stuck in the older teacher crowd for a while. I’m trying to branch out a little and spend time with some other people… it’s a good way to spread the international vibe, too.
