Farewell to the 3rd year students

Last Friday March 9th was graduation day for the 3rd year students at my Jr.High School. I've worked in other Jr.High schools before but this was the first time my work contract extended through graduation and thus the first time I saw a Japanese Jr.High graduation ceremony. It began with various speeches from teachers and the principal which led into each of the student's name being called out as they walk to the front to receive their diploma and then bowed to the audience before returning to their seats. All the teachers and staff were present as well as many parents and all the students from the lower grades gathered in the school gym. After a lot more talking and some speeches from the class leaders all of the students at the school stood up and sang a song. The singing went back and forth between the graduating 3rd year students and the 1st and 2nd year students finally ending with the 1st and 2nd year students singing farewell as the 3rd year students one by one walked out of the gym. The 3rd year students then went back to their classes and spent some last time with each other and their home room teachers sharing memories and thanking each other. It was sad to watch as I really enjoyed the 3rd year's and watching them say goodbye to each other in tears made it impossible for me to keep a dry eye. Finally the 1st and 2nd year students went home early and the 3rd year students went back to the gym for the final goodbye to the teachers. During this time many of the students I grew close to came to me and had me sign their year books and took pictures with each other. Those kids were the best thing about my job and now that they are gone I feel a little empty but I'm happy to see them moving on to their next step in life.

If their behavior the past school year is any indication the 2nd year students who will soon be 3rd year students will never be able to compare to the students I lost last Friday. It's gonna be a different year indeed but all good things must come to an end.

Each class made a little booklet for me and each student wrote a message inside.

Photos of the month (February 2012)

Here a few random pics taken in Feb. Very few this month as I've had some memory card problems with my camera.

The first snowman I ever have made in Japan. Check out my tribute video to him here.

That is a huge stash of seaweed. Spotted it at the Umaimon Food Festival in Nagoya.

Some really nice converse/heel combos. If I was a girl I'd wear these.

Osaka style sandwich at a restaurant called "Open Sesame" in Gifu.

A nice classic East Asian shot taken in Nara.

The view on the way home from work.

Trip to Nara

These days when I travel around Japan it's usually to a place I've already been before. I like meeting up with friends that live in these places and truthfully I've been to a lot of cities now and aren't that many left that I'm interested in going to at the moment. There were three left, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Nara and I recently scratched Nara off of the list. A friend and I wanted to do some traveling so we decided to take a day trip. From Gifu you can get to the city of Nara in a little over 3 hours by taking a from Nagoya (the nearby big city) directly to Nara or taking a bus from Gifu to Kyoto and then a train from Kyoto to Nara.

Arrived at Nara station with my friend Narae

There are a few things that I knew Nara was famous for before going and on the top of my list were actually deer. Nara could easily be nicknamed "The City Of Deer". In the heavy tourist areas there are literally tons of deer freely walking around harassing people for snacks which can be bought for feeding them for 150yen. I didn't run into any violent deer but they do get pushy when it comes to getting your food and I would suggest keeping an eye out on your bags.

Narae being surrounded for her snacks which she quickly gave up.

Close up

Deer everywhere!

They've caught on to the fact that something tasty is in the bag.

Whenever you go anywhere in Japan it's always recommended to try out the local famous food or snacks. I spent 2000yen on my lunch but it was good.

View from the restaurant window. A lovely day for a trip.

The dinner consisted of various tempuras, Nara's specialty persimmon wrapped sushi and udon.

kaki no hazushi  This persimmon wrapped sushi is famous in Nara.

 

 

 

 

  

Besides deer and food Nara is also famous for its nice nature, temples and one large Buddha. It's easy just enjoying a walk and getting lost in the little nooks and crannies. I'd suggest exploring over a set path if you have the time.

Large guardian statue.

Todaiji temple. Home one of Nara's most famous things. A very large Buddha statue.

Nara is a place of nice look scenes like this. I'd love to see it in the Spring when the plants are a bit more lively.

The Far East

I leave you with a video a deer greeting me in the most Japanese way possible.

RIP Scott Snow

Here is a video I made in memory of a lost friend. I think the pictures in the video speak for themselves. Please follow me on this emotional journey.

Evolution of the peace sign. (AKA how crazy it has gotten.)

A friend of mine posted this video on my FB page and I couldn't help but to be amazed at how awesome and accurate it is.

Here is a mockumentary about the progression of the peace sign. It may be a mockumentary but there is a whole lot of truth to it and that's what makes it so funny. People living in Asia or deeply interested in the culture will probably find this especially funny.

P.S. The black people are so me.