My Last Day in Asago

Since I will be leaving for the airport tomorrow morning, today is my last day in Asago. It’s strange to think that very soon I will no longer be struggling to be understood in my little town. I think it would be normal if I were to say that I don’t know where the year went, or it feels like I only just got here, but that wouldn’t really be true. While sometimes it did feel like time was passing very quickly (the last month for example), other times it felt like each day was dragging on and on (such as during the winter). Also, the fact that I have seen and done so much in this last year makes it impossible for me to think of it as being short, because I have so many memories.

I wouldn’t say today has been the most exciting last day in Japan, but so far it has been good. In the morning I met Nohmi sensei at school and then we went to the bank to cancel my account. Since it seemed to be a pretty complicated process with a lot of sitting and waiting, we were able to talk a bit and I guess because I don’t work with her anymore she was noticeably more casual. She talked to me a bit about her thoughts on this year’s exchange program, and made it pretty clear that she wants me to meet up with the group when they come to Toronto. She had mentioned that before, but it was nice to know that it wasn’t just something she felt like she had to say.

Anyway, tomorrow I have arranged it so Matt will drive me to Himeji (my supervisor didn’t seem very confident this was a good idea, but I promised to give Matt very detailed instructions on how to get home by himself). From Himeji I will take the bus to Kansai Airport, and then a plane to Toronto via Vancouver. I expect to be pretty tired, but also for my family to be pretty surprised.

Goodbye Kaneko Sensei

Yesterday was Kenji’s last day in Asago-shi, and today he flew back to the states. Mark, Matt, Kenji’s replacement Andrew and I met him at Ja-lan for lunch before he left. Also, on Thursday Andrew and I helped Mark and Kenji film a music video for their song “the Wad”, so I think Kenji probably enjoyed his last few days here.

Last Day and Matt’s Arrival

Yesterday was my last actual day at Asago JHS, because I have enough summer holidays to last until I leave. It was a pretty uneventful day though, because I only had one hour of class, and that class was only 12 students. It wasn’t as sad to leave as when I left Okuganaya though, probably because everything wasn’t all at once.

This afternoon I went back though, because they wanted me to be there when my replacement arrived. Basically I think his arrival went pretty much the same as mine. He dressed up more than was necessary, and seemed a little bewildered by the Japanese greeting. After that we helped him get moved in, and then I took him to the grocery store and then to dinner with Mark and Kenji. I think in some ways it is a bit unfortunate for him that I’m still here, because I don’t think the Japanese teachers are really trying as hard. I know I am obviously better suited to get him ready for living here, but pretty soon I will be gone and won’t have had the same opportunities I had to get to know the teachers he will be working with. Anyway, even though I am pretty jealous of him for taking over my position, I will do my best to get him up to speed, and see if I can keep him away from just sitting at his desk with nothing to do (I am thinking some trips to Osaka, and maybe the beach are necessary to get him used to Japan).

Amanohashidate

On Sunday I went to Amanohashidate (“Bridge to Heaven”). It is considered one of the three best sights in Japan, and since it was only about a three hour drive away I decided I should see it before I leave. On the way there I drove through about the worst storm I have seen in Japan yet, but by the time I got there it was only slightly raining. Although it wasn’t perfect weather, it was still an interesting thing to see. Basically there is just a really long sand bar connecting two sides of a bay, but there is a forest and a few little shrines along the way, as well as a really long beach. Here are some pictures:

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Sayonnara Meghan Sensei

Meghan left Japan this afternoon, and although she will be coming back for a job in Toyooka, I won’t see her again before I leave. Some personal stuff came up and she had to get a last minute flight home, so her departure was pretty stressful. Fortunately she was able to get everything taken care of and pack up and leave on time.

Our supervisor actually told me that since she was really tired from everything, that I would have to drive for her until she left. So I drove her a bit, but she went to the onsen by herself and got in a small car accident. I guess Nakashima was right. She was ok though, just broke a headlight.

Anyway, she was a great neighbour (translated, cooked sometimes, and even saved my life once), so I will miss her a lot.