Konnichiwa, toire wa doko desu ka?

Having had a few requests after last time for more than just stories about dodgy soups and spilt milk, I hope that today's blog entry satisfies people's curiosity.


I'm currently working in two Junior High schools, each of which has about 800 students, aged 13-15 or something like that. I alternate between each school every three or four weeks. So far, it's been a lot of fun! My role is simple: engage students in conversation wherever, whenever and however I can. This is easy because it's just so rare to meet a non-Japanese person in Japan, so students are naturally curious. Sometimes they get quite excited! The other day, I went into one class and a kid stood up, pointed at me and repeated over and over at the top of his voice 'Steven Gerrard! Steven Gerrard!' He probably carried on like this for close to a minute. Whether or not he thought I actually was Steven Gerrard (Liverpool and England footballer) is up for debate, but you can imagine the delight I took in introducing myself as Stephen, which sent him into a spasm.
I make my fair share of mistakes too. Realised today that I'd been reassuring whole classes of students that a quiz I'd made about myself was inexpensive, rather than easy.
Contrary to what you may think after the last story, I am studying Japanese fervently, particularly during free periods when I haven't any marking to do. I really want to be able to deepen my relationships with people that I have met, especially folk at church. Progress is slow when all you can say is 'Konnichiwa' and 'Where is the toilet?' Had a really nice day on Monday. It was a national holiday and our life group plus friends went to visit a castle and then went onto Japan's largest lake, where I swam. Also played football on Sunday night, which was a good time of relating to some of the Japanese guys without the need for any language.

So, I hope that's satisfied your apetite for information. Please keep in touch. I love getting your little messages and it also provides me with a welcome break from thinking in Japanese.

Lots of love, Steven Gerrard x

Weetabix and milk

Hello! I'm writing to you having just cycled back from the international shop, where I was dismayed to discover that they've stopped selling Weetabix. So, it's back to octopus-eye stew for breakfast again!

This week I've seen more soups and more sleepers. I've been caught in a lift, caught in a typhoon and caught out in a game of baseball. Managed to escape each time. No harm done. However, my time this week has mainly been spent at work and it definitely feels like I'm living here now and am not just a spectator. Of course, I still stick out like a sore thumb but sadly this is usually due to my own ineptitude rather than anything else. Like today, I managed to pick up my milk carton a little too eagerly and consequently sprayed the whole classroom. Teacher stared at me like I was insane. Went very red, but probably made some child's day.

Take care everyone. Miss you.

That's one bowl I definitely won't 'miso'.

Had my first near death experience today over a bowl of miso soup. Now, usually miso soup (especially Nagoya's) is fantastically oishii (delicious!) but I really do deserve a medal for finishing this particular bowl. To make matters worse, lunch was in front of a whole class of kids, who watched my face with absolute delight as I fought my way through every mouthful. They must have known what was going on and they loved every moment!
After lunch I had a few free periods so decided to do some work in the computer room. After a few minutes a man walked in. We exchanged greetings. He then proceeded to lie down on the floor. I wondered what on earth was going on and whether I ought to call for help. Anyway, within a few seconds he was curled up in a little ball and snoring like a trooper. Nilesh, my flatmate, joked that that would be me soon enough after all these early starts. He's probably right.

P.S. We had Vision Sunday at GraceCity this week. Had a wonderful time with everyone and am very excited about this new season.