"Oh....O"
The kyoto sensei took me to the local famous shrine near Meiji Elementary on Wednesday. She wore super leather trousers and fancy boots, yet she didnt slide as much as I did in my snow boots. There was a little confusion about me wanting to only use a western style toilet, of which there are none in the school. So she took me to the local post office and asked if the ALT could use their toilet. After squeezing into slippers and gliding through the busy mail sorting back of the office, I realised their toilet was not of the western variety either.-- I think I might have been used to impress the locals.-- At the shrine (I was told something about it being the furthest north of a list of wonderful sights) the vice principal asked one of the monks (?) if we could go in because I am an ALT and have never been here before. The lady said it is 300 yen to go inside. And then cheeky leather trousers lady said we had no money, and asked for a freebie. The lady shook her head and said 300 yen desu. So we walked around and enjoyed the sunny and snowy surroundings. It is a beautiful place. Wednesday was a challenging day, as all the teachers think I am fluent in Japanese, so they chatted away and away in their local Glasgow-esque accents. I got some of the jist. It was a nice day.
And also...
I had my last class with san nen sei at Shingo Junior High yesterday. I had just eaten natto for the first time (one girl had mistakenly called it nattu, which I am sure will be a running joke for a while). I was asked to go and watch the stars with one student, and to visit the house of another (whose house is the "guardian" house of the Jesus tomb). I cried when I was asked to make a speech. Never show them tears! I tried to remind myself; but it was too late. I felt like an idiot. The boys hung out of the window as I drove away and told me they loved me. I wonder if that will ever happen in the UK? Two girls asked me what blood type I am and I replied O. The "yappari" answer meant I knew it. In Japan, your blood is connected to your personality. I have a feeling O is a bit of a sensitive soul.