Who's Ready to go Home?

Yesterday was one of those days that you just want to be at home for no reason but the comforts of being home. So we had ourselves a barbeque! A juicy steak seasoned with Lawry's Seasoning Salt, cheesey Johnsonville brats, lettuce from the (windowseal) garden, and Cystal Light raspberry tea--just like home!



Of course a BBQ wouldn't be a BBQ without some s'mores. We have yet to perfect the method of making these delicacies due to the fact that you can't find (cheap) graham crackers here, but we made due with biscuit crackers for now--delicious!



And what else follows the BBQ but a nice night of fireworks! Last night was the Hirosaki fireworks festival and there was definitely not a few people there for the festivities. We had quite a few chats with students we saw. This show definitely one ups the regular 4th fireworks shows back home though as it was almost 2 hours long.

So with only 3 1/2 weeks to go before we head home, we have already started the celebration! Can't wait to see everyone back home!

Seeking Advise

How do you change what seems unchangable?

Recently we were reminded of the Simon & Garfunkel song I Am a Rock. It has been a frustrating experience attempting to teach English to Japanese high school students. There are few successes. We have come to believe that one of the more threatening reasons the Japanese don't learn English is because they are not only learning a language but a behavior. Learning English isn't just a language, it's a behavior. And it is this behavior that the students do not wish to learn; it is too far from their comfort zones. They have to learn to be free thinkers and not just regurgitate information.

So we are calling out to all those that read, what can be done to change these reluctant students. Any advise would be welcomed, from Japan or America or whatever country you happen to live in.

Monkey Bread

'nough said

Life in Japan

Be careful of the Swine Flu, oh sorry, I mean the H1N1 virus (We don't want any Egypt repeats). Well, if you aren't currently wearing your masks or if you are and want more protection. According to this sign, placed in various areas through the city, please wipe off with alcohol just in case you are perhaps contaminanted and will come into contact with other people or their food. We don't want any chances of the flu. And even though we have no confirmed cases of the flu, you just never know!