The Whole Erk Catalogue Tales of a Geek Abroad

It's February, and school ends in a month: the Japanese tradition places the end of the old year and begining of the new in April, and that applies to schools as well. Around here, that means school is grinding to a complete halt. I'm at Nichu right now, and have hardly done any teaching for the last two weeks... I went to Fujigaoka during school exams. Before exams was about a week of studying for exams, and after exams was about a week of discussing the exams. This is for all grades, from 1st year jr. high (canada Grade 7) up. It's a little frustrating for me.

Class grades have to be in on the 6th, so right now teachers are panicking to get their big assignment projects done on time. Classes are canned material for the most part, or tests and projects that should have been done earlier but there wasn't time. In other words, the life of an ALT is a bit boring!

On the bright side, I get to mark a heap of letters from 1st year students, which ought to be a bit of fun.

Also on the bright side, Jen's brother and dad will be arriving here tomorrow. Things are a little stressed while we get ready for them, but we're both really excited. There's nothing so good for alleviating cultural barrier exhaustion than introducing new people to Japan. Don't get me wrong about Japan at all! I get frustrated by it but I love this place, it really rocks. Unfortunately, dealing with small irritations over so long and not having any real place to complain about them besides with other people feeling the same irritation does wear one down. More wearing is the winter; it's starting to warm up, and when spring comes I think I'll be a little bubble of excitement.

I've got to go photocopy a board game for my 3rd years. Hope everyone's having a good time out there.