A brief note on coming and going:
Things within the company here change quickly. This can be a good thing, but it also has its drawbacks. Two of my favourite coworkers will leave Japan this week. It's a shame because just when you're starting to make friends here, it seems like they get shipped off to new shores. The Japanese staff changes even faster than the teaching staff. On one hand, it means that if you're not happy with how things are, don't fret...they'll change soon. But it also means it's hard to get to know people... Just when you're getting comfortable with them, somebody has to move on.
One student told me that I'm getting to be a better teacher. The lessons definitely feel more fluid now. Because the students can book into lessons at their own leisure, the students also change from day to day. Some people you see more than others. It's also a constantly fluctuating dynamic. On the one hand, you get to meet a variety of people. But the drawback is that you really don't see the same students so often, so it's hard to build up a good sense of trust between each other.
To end on a positive note: Japanese style going away parties are fantastic! All you can drink and all you can eat. Mmmmmm. Lots of beer and sake, and a brilliant variety of food. My favourite is takoyaki (baked octopus balls).
Anyway, that's what's going on here. More monkeys to come soon.
-ian
1 comment:
Mom - It's true, as soon as you start to get comfortable with people, it's somebody's time to move on. But it is nice to get to meet so many different people. It forces us to learn to make friends quickly, and just jump in and enjoy the company you have while it's there. As with life, no one will be around for long.
Arlene - Definitely my favourite aspect of having my good friends leave: Japanese parties are fantastic!!! Dish after dish of delicious Japanese cuisine, and all washed down with beer and sake. I can't complain!
Also, Octopus balls are battered balls filled with tentacles. Much like a chicken ball is battered chicken meet. Anyway, aren't you proud that I eat everything they put in front of me???
-ian
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