Just two easy classes today – one without a teacher to help me out. Both classes went just fine, though, and I spent the time between classes going over Japanese grammar and typing in words to memorize into the computer.
The closer we get to the culture festival the more antsy the students are getting. They have been very friendly in the hallways – even more than usual. I’m hoping that there will be some energy left over after the festival for my classes, but I fear that won’t be the case.
I was busy chatting with several of the younger teachers in the staffroom today. I had a nice conversation with one of the student teachers. She looked really nervous talking with me, but I think she always looks really nervous. It was like at any second she would hear a loud noise and skitter away. Anyway, we talked about her teaching schedule, and it sounds like she’s having a rough time with our students. I don’t think they are so bad, but maybe they smell the fear on her, and like a pack of dogs they’re moving in for the kill.
After school I caught the train to Himeji and met Carrie in front of 31 flavors ice cream. It’s a great place to meet – if you stand there facing 31 flavors you can see lots of ice cream, lots of people walking by quickly on their way wherever, and if you turn completely around you can see the amazing 400 year old Himeji castle in the distance – lined up in perfect symmetry with the ice cream store.
We went to a yakiniku place for dinner, and spent time roasting meat and catching up. We haven’t met up since March, so we had a lot of talking to do. I told her all about the wedding plan, the visitors that will be here in November, and how exciting it all is. Carrie told me about what she’s planning for after her return to the states in 2006, how things are going with her boyfriend, and how the studying is going for the big exam that we’re both taking in December.
We ate lots of grilled meat – different types of beef and pork – and then finally headed back to the station. We stopped in at the aforementioned 31 Flavors for a scoop of ice cream, and we sat out on the step enjoying the nice weather and the conversation.
I caught the train back to Futami, and now I’m getting ready for bed. Tomorrow is my busy day at school – four classes in a row! After school I’m going to go into Chinatown in Kobe to meet up with Kuniko and do some shopping. I’m looking for some authentic Chinese sauces and spices to liven up my Chinese cooking.
