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Yes, the school year finishes this week, but I still have months to go before the 1st year of JET is completed. The new school year starts April 8th, so I have plenty of work ahead. JETs start in Sept, after the summer break. So never fear, I still have a lot to look forward to in Japan. So since this is the last week, last night we had an enkai (party). We ate at a delicious Chinese restaurant for 5,000 yen a head (~$40). Last night was the best enkai yet. Many of the teachers talked to me in English. Then kyoto-sensei sat next to me and we discussed many things, with the aid of his dictionary. He told me that he was sad that he was leaving, and that he wanted my American address. He told me that he hoped my replacement was nice, and that I shouldn't get intimidated. I should be strong, and try to intimidate the replacement with English. "Make him small with English," kyoto said. We discussed the sex appeal of the Edo period. He said that the hair andd the neck, not the body, were important. "Midori no kuroikami," was considered sexy. (green of black hair- don't ask me what that's supposed to mean). He told me that I am nice and fun. He told me to know my worth, and make guys I date know my worth. He made me promise that if I get married while I am here, I have to send him an invitation. He said that sweethearts will feed each other food, so never do that to a friend or co-worker. It was such a wonderful discussion. He's my father figure in Japan. He takes care of me, and is genuinely conserned about me, not just trying to hit on me. Last night made me feel like I was the one who was leaving. It's so strange to think I won't see many of these people ever again. Not to leave this on a sappy note... Not everyone at the party was so sincere. I was asked what Japanese foods I like. One of the things I mentioned was shabushabu (you cook meat and veggies in a big pot of liquid in the center of the table). One of the men asked me if I'd had ?????-shabushabu. I could not understand what he said until he gave me a visual. He was asking if I'd tried "panty shabushabu", as in underwear. Everyone was telling me not to answer. I didn't because I really wasn't sure of what would be the appropriate way to respond to that. I have since found out that "pantyshabu shabu" is a type of "service" shall we say. there are very expensive shabu shabu restaurants where the hostesses who pour your drinks wear no panties. Anyway, after dinner some of us stumbled over to the bowling alley for karaoke. Two whole hours, and they let me sing a whole bunch of songs! It was a really good time. I was home by midnight, and drank in moderation, so I made it to work before most of the teachers today. Valerie Straayer |