"Kyushoku" - School Lunches

Money wise I am lucky as I have school lunch everyday which is extremely good value for what you get.  However, tastbud wise, it can be a bit hit or miss.  I have become accostomed to squid, and will now eat it without squirming at all!  The school lunches are served in each classroom each day, by the students:

This is a really nice idea, and it teaches the students a lot about not wasting food, sharing it between the class.  For example, if it runs out before the last person is served, everyone will put a little of their own back.  any left overs at the end are shared out equally to those who want seconds.  There is never a choice of food, yet I still have not seen a single student leave anything on their plate! Just a bit different to in the UK where we pick and choose and waste.

The school lunches look something like this:

The lunch always comes with a carton of milk as well.  Although it can vary, it is often a soup or something in a bowl with maybe some pickled salad and some rice.  Although one lunch I was treated to this:

a 'Healthy Balanced' lunch aparently!

This is supposed to be a delicacy, but amongst some of the ALTs they have the nickname of 'sperm fish' because of their unfortunate shape.  Although I am assured that mixed with rice they can be nice, I cannot bring myself to eat them! Quite easy to push to the side though!

Other lunches have included bread with nutella, hot dogs and chilli dogs, yaki soba noodles (which I love!) curry and rice, tofu, fish, meat, anything!

This Konnaku which is used a lot in different ways.  It is pretty tasteless and aparently made out of potato or something (but i have been assured there is no strange fish or meat in it).  It tastes like a very very very dense chewy jelly.  Doesn't really bring anything to the meal but is definitely edible!

Excellent value for money, my main meal of the day, and a chance to taste a lot of Japanese foods that I wouln't normally - I think they're great!

Kawaii.... Seibu Elementary School

Kawaii means cute in Japanese and it is a word that is used soooooo often!!  But the students at my elementary school really are so sweet... I absolutely love teaching there!

Favourite thing about my Elementary school
This has to be a tie between the adorable children and the freedom to be able to teach in my own way. Unfortunately I only teach the 5th and 6th graders at this school, which means I don't get to teach the tiny 1st or 2nd graders. Which I should probably be grateful for because as adorable as they might be.... I can imagine it being hard to explain games or new words to children so small. At this school my Japanese English Teacher plans the lessons and then gives me the plan to teach. This was great at first, but I have started getting frustrated with the game choices, and it had become more of a joint task which suits much better :).


Least favourite thing about Elementary school
It is very hard work at this school, as it really is go go go .... but as it is only twice a week, I enjoy that, and am happy to be so busy, so I think my least favourite thing would be that I haven't got to know any of the teachers. My Japanese English Teacher is really nice,  and she helps me with cooking recipes, deciphering what bills are, and general Japanese life. Apart from her though, I don't really speak with anyone else. Now that I am getting more confident with my Japanese, I am trying to approach them, even if it is just to talk about something boring, so hopefully, eventually I can change this.

This is the interactive whiteboard that makes teaching a lot more fun and interesting as I can show videos, pictures and maps which the students love!

I finish teaching at 2:45 yet have to stay at school until 4:45 so I use this time to decorate the classroom and make teaching materials... here are some pictures of my English classroom:

Also here is a photo of one of the first grade classrooms:

A quick catch up....

Ok so I have neglected this blog a little so say the least.. so here is a small summary of Japan so far for me.

My favourite place so far....
I have two. One which shows my culturally mature sid and one which represents me as a materialistic shopaholic!
1. Kamakura.
This place is close to Yokohama and has so many temples and shrines, and a huge bronze sitting budda called Daibutsu in a nearby town.  I went to one temple while I was here which really stood out.  It was very high up a hill and the higher you climbed, the more of the coastline you could see.  It's gardens were full of beautiful flowerf, plants, trees, and even a waterfall and cave you could walk through.  Unfortunately I am still waiting to get these pictures off my friend so will post them as soon as I have them,

2. Harajuku
This is in Tokyo and is absolutely amazing.  It is very famous so no little gem I have discovered on my own,  My favourite part is the street full of such a range of different shops, and boutiques.  They cover every type of clothing style you could ever imagine.  From goth to 'Harajuku girl' to uberly girly clothers, to hip hop rapper style clothing. 

I love the style in Japan so much, that I think the song 'Turning Japanese' has a new meaning.  From all the lacy, floral tops to long flowing skirts and pastely coloured blouses, I just can't stop buying things! Finished off with beautiful cute hair accessories, jewellery and shoes (unfortunately not big enough to fit my clown feet), its all just made for me! 

Most surprising thing about Japan

I think it has to be the levels of dicipline I have seen in the schools.  It really is jaw dropping.  Before each lesson, two students come to the teacher's room to carry any materials or books for the teacher, then  every lessons students all stand up and greet teacher in unison, at the start and at the end.  When a student answers a question, they stand up and stand behind their chair to answer.  It really is so strict.  Also, in assembly or fire practice, students stand, stand at ease, then stand and bow to teachers (this is both elementary and junior high).
The uniform is also immaculate.  Girls wear skirts, shirts, waistcoats, blazers and bows to fasten the top button of their shirt, and all have matching socks and matching trainors.  Boys have shirt, tie, trousers, again with matching trainors.  The PE kit is just as identical. 

I cant help but think that with Japan being such a safe, polite and respectful country, this level of dicipline and respect in schools must play a strong part. 

Equally surprising with the schools is cleaning time, in which all students take time to clean (sweep, hand wash) the floors of the school, sweep the grounds outside, and clean all desks etc.  This results in the school having only one paid cleaner, compared to the number schools in the UK hire. 

Most enjoyable evening so far...

These would have to be the work drinks.  I have been out twice and just had so much fun.  It is where I have got to try a lot of great food, and for about £35 it is all you can drink and a huge table of food.  The teachers at my Junior High are so lovely and these parties really let everyone come out of their shell.  My Japanese gets better and their English gets better, and I completely forget about the language barrier as everyone is so nice!
It has really helped me integrate at work more too, and I am lucky to have so many young fun teachers at my school!

Clubbing...

I have been clubbing a couple of times in Roppongi (which is an area in Tokyo reknowned for its night life) and one time near Tokyo station.

This is definitely the place that I have seen the most foreigners (which says something), and was very similar to clubs at home.  We went to one called Vanity which is on the 13th floor of a building overlooking a lot of Tokyo.  It was packed, hot and had fantastic music...made me seel like I was in any club back home!  Difference being, smoking allowed inside, free entry for girls, and respectful (or shy) Japanese guys, so no risk of being groped or harrased. 

I was going to write about favourite foods but I think I will start a whole new blog for that as it really is a big topic over here!!!