I was pretty nervous getting ready for today. It is the last day before classes start, and I had to introduce myself to all of the teachers by making a speech in front of them. Traditionally, as you might imagine, this speech is done in Japanese, and despite taking classes and some training in this area, I was a bit apprehensive. A speech in front of a hundred people in any language is difficult.
On my way up to the meeting, the principal pulled me aside and was curious where Spring Valley was in America. He had my address from my application, and the PO Box I happened to get while in San Diego was in Spring Valley. When he introduced me, he said that I hail from Spring Valley, USA. So weird that a small little town like that gets a mention in Japan by a school principal. I’m sure all the teachers were thinking, “Where the hell is Spring Valley?”
I got up and did my introduction in English, and the teachers watched carefully – the ones I knew were smiling, but most were just curious. After the introduction in English, the principal announced that I was going to do the same thing in Japanese. The looks that came over everyone’s faces were amazing. It was as if the principal announced that I was getting on board the space shuttle that afternoon and flying to Mars. I hashed up my introduction a bit in Japanese, but got through it OK. There was a big round of applause, and I think I made some new friends in the crowd.
After school we went back to Akashi to pick up my alien registration card. I’ve had to haul around my passport everywhere I went to prove I am who I am, but now with the card I can leave my big bulky passport at home.
On the way back Mr. Komuri, one of the Japanese language teachers, invited us to eat at his favorite takoyaki restaurant. I’ve had takoyaki at a couple of places, and it really doesn’t do a lot for me. This was served in a different style, and even though we’re in just the next town, it is supposedly a “regional variation”. You actually dip each piece in a soup broth, with hot chili pepper flakes floating on top. It was really awesome – great flavor and a little easier to eat.
When I got home, I was so tired that I passed out on the couch and woke up stuck to it about an hour later. After extracting myself, I decided to go out and check out a yakitori restaurant near my place. I ducked into the restaurant and sat at the bar to watch the end of the Hanshin Tigers game. After ordering some beef, chicken and a couple of beers, I attracted the attention of two drunk guys about my age at the end of the bar. We ended up trying to talk in Japanese and then English, and they insisted I looked like Tom Cruise. I told them that Tom Cruise doesn’t walk around with all the weight I’m carrying, but they insisted on buying a drink for me. They wanted me to try what they were drinking, a drink called Shuu-Cho. It was a clear beverage with a slice of lemon in it. I took a drink and it tasted like slightly alcoholic water, not too exciting. They were a bit disappointed to hear my review, but maybe too drunk to take offense. I have a feeling I’ll run into these guys again – the food was great and cheap. For six meat skewers and three beers it only cost me $17.50.
Tomorrow I’m doing laundry and hanging out around the house. In the evening I’m going to catch a movie, and then on Sunday I’m going to work on some of the props for my school lessons starting next week.
