With my recent return to my blogging tendencies I think I am due for an update on Japan and how things are here across the pacific from my home on the west coast of America. First let me begin with my internship and then spiral out from there.
It is June 23rd, 2010 and I am essentially half way through my internship in Isesaki, Japan. My 3 stay in this nation of the rising sun has been filled with challenges, joy, new experiences, friends, adventure, ups, and downs. That being said I still have 3 more months to go and I think this is a good time to write a honest and detailed account of what has progressed thus far.
My stay in Japan is based on an internship via a international student organization known as AIESEC. I am working as a student on a teaching internship. I have a 6 month visa and my contract with AIESEC stipulates I return to my home University after my work here, which I will do when I return in September to finish my undergraduate BA at the University of California, San Diego.
I landed on the shores of the world’s second largest economy in late March looking forward to the experience of a life time. I met my AIESEC counterparts who had helped me land my internship and spent a few days enjoying not having to work. Most importantly I would say I met my steadfast friend Tatsuro who from the first day I came to Japan has been not only a good ambassador of Japan but a great friend. Without him I think I might not be having quite the same adventure in this country. From our conversations on american slang and Japanese youth culture, to all night drinking binges, to discussing our future plans and aspirations we have created a lasting friendship. My co-workers are also a pillar of stability to me in my new home. They, while all slightly older than I, are my ex-patriot connection to the outside world. My American, Canadian and Japanese friends there share my frustrations, laughs, and accomplishments in the adventure that is teaching 3-8 year old kids. From our get togethers like mexican night or drinks at the local Hawaiin restaurant to finishing off a bottle of Sake I must say we are all closely bonded via the teaching profession practiced here at the Felice International School.
The kids we teach at our school are great. Often they are the reason that going to work everyday is so enjoyable. My job is primarily to assist with the Duck and Dolphin classes the first half of the day. My job up until a few weeks ago was solely with the duck class so I feel like they are my class. They are a rowdy, smart and importantly cute group of 3-4 year olds that have taken a liking to calling me Mr. Will or Willy depending on the individual of course. We have brad the eccentric madman of the group who is incredibly adept at english but is also hilariously adhd and loves to do a crabwalk like dance while shaking his head and saying random english phrases. He often brings pictures of adventures he goes on with his family to show and tell. Often it is going to places where his dad cycles as he seems to be an avid practitioner of the sport. We have Connie and melody who come to class daily with their pig tails and smiling faces. We have Mr. Ethan with his slightly lumpy head and sometimes dopey demeanor and even a little man named Sammy. Sammy is too cute for his own good and unfortunately knows how to woo us teachers into liking him even when he may be up to no good. This is but a taste of our kids in the Duck class but gives you an idea of what occupies my daily 9 hour routine. Simply put my kids are great and it is a pleasure to teach them.
Beyond the scope of teaching I have had a diversity of experiences in the social and personal sphere. Here in Isesaki I have recently been getting more accustomed to my more rural surroundings. I enjoy runs both by myself and my fellow running and teaching buddy Evan. Bike rides are a also a local pleasure taken along the banks of the Tone river. Going out to eat in Isesaki has been a good break from my cooking and there are some pretty decent restaurants right around where I live that I visit with my co-workers. Going from the Gunma Prefecture to the urban life in Tokyo and Yokohama is also a rather common pastime of mine. Meeting up with my buddy Tatsuro isn’t too difficult as I can take a bus ride that takes me right into the heart of Tokyo for about $15 within 2 hours. With the trains in the Tokyo and Yokohama metropolis stopping around 12 am each night there have been many a time where we stay out until the first trains around 5 am in the morning. We have thus far traversed the social scenes in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, Yokohama, and Yokuska, however I feel we have made only the slightest dent on what else there is to explore. My nights and often mornings, if we have been out all night, spent at Tatsuro’s apartment (where the floor is my bed. We have not put aside the time to pick up a futon) are often met with an instantaneous lapse into sleep despite the Spartan accommodations. In addition to exploring the Japanese night life I have also tried my hand at the many other sites and sounds Japan has to offer. From onsen (hotsprings) in Gunma to golfing and visiting the Nikko shrine in Tochigi.
In the intellectual realm I have taken on new vigor within the last few weeks. With my kindle and Ipod touch as my main weaponry my craving for news and books has increased. The New York Times and The Economist are weapons of choice and they are being read almost religiously. I also have a new ipod app that allows me to get a diversity of newspapers newest articles so that I have a wider perspective on current events. I have renewed my reading of a biography of Alexander Hamilton, in addition to a book on Spartan history. Also I am re-reading the Power of Now which is all possible thanks to my handy Kindle. The world cup has also taken a prominent place in my mind with nightly matches being viewed via the power of live internet streaming. And speaking of such, America is about to play so with further adieu let me conclude my update here…….
