Merry Christmas one and all

As I type, I'm watching snow fall on Kanazawa with my fiancé and our friend from college. It's like we're in a snow globe, and it's sticking to the ancient pine trees, bright neon lights, and curved roof tiles. I had a kitty on my lap at the park, and now she's probably cuddled up with her friends in a shed, all full of treats.

The snow is sticking. It feels almost how Christmas should, except for how far away I am from family, friends, and traditions.

Christmas food here is KFC and strawberry cake. Christmas is a lover's holiday; New Year's is for family. It's the opposite of back home, really, and it takes a little getting used to.

Hopefully the white Christmas lasts to the morning for pictures!

Something Awesome

Way, way back in October I went to Gifu to visit a certain someone down in Gifu city. Gifu is famous for 鵜飼 (ukai), cormorant fishing.

Ukai in Gifu has a 1,000 year history, and the techniques are kept much the same as they were back in the day. It takes place at night in the summer and early fall. Lit only by balls of burning pine and sap, two fishermen steer the boat and handle trained cormorants as the birds chase after Ayu, a small sweet fish. The cormorants wear a leash around their necks that allows them to swallow small fish, but not large ones--the fisherman then takes the fish from the cormorant's mouth and tosses it back into the water. It sounds awful for the cormorants, but they're taken care of and live much longer than their wild brethren.

The first catch of the season goes to the Emperor Akihito and his family. The fishermen are living national treasures, their instruments (including the birds!) are national artifacts, and the river is a protected site.

And now, the awesome: video of the ukai!

Erin and I were the only foreigners on our observation boat. Our shipmates were super nice and wanted to know everything we thought of it.

Essays

I've been taking a more active role in lesson planning these past few months, which is part of why you haven't heard much from me. My units thus far have included giving public transit directions, and a cooking unit (make a cooking show in English!) for first years and the basics of logical single paragraph essays for second years. Making my students write feels like a cop out sometimes, but then wonderful mistakes like " one hurf of cabbage" and "fry the ham in a flying pargh" reminds me that it's worth it.

I've been grading said essays (and some written answers on other teacher's exams and homework--I volunteered) and have stumbled upon many gems.

So here it is, your November midterm treasury of quotes. English is full of comedic opportunity.

On Japanese food:

"I owe what I am today to Japanese agriculture."

"onigiri is Japanese soul food"

On cooking (and classical music):

"Wait for five minuets."

"Borb the pasta"

And, finally, on cultural misperceptions:

"I want to tell the truth to (foreign) students. The truth is that actually, there is no samurai or ninja in Japan now. I think that not so few foreigners believe in samurai or ninja. Therefore, they should know the truth. So if they come to Japan, they will not be disappointed."

I love how this kid isn't telling you the truth about samurai and ninja in Japan to end offensive stereotypes--he's telling you so you won't be disappointed.

That's all for now!

Well shoot

So. Been a while.

Massive photo update coming. Beware!