Meetings in Fukuoka

Tenjin Central Park, Fukuoka, Japan

What a day.

I left my apartment at 6:30 this morning and headed to Orio Station. I took a local train into Hakata and arrived at about 8:20. Side note, I use the website HyperDia to check train times and plan my routes anytime I have a trip. The website is user friendly and completely accurate. I definitely would recommend it to anyone traveling around Japan. 

Hakata Station, Fukuoka, Japan

The reason I was traveling into Fukuoka is because I had two company meetings to attend. The first one was scheduled for 10:30 and it would cover information about upcoming camps I would be attending. The second meeting was an ongoing training session for elementary and junior high school teachers. Even though this training didn't involve the ALTs from my own branch, I requested to attend it because I actually enjoy going to training events. I'll take any opportunity where I can improve my teaching and communication skills.

Since I arrived into the city about 2 hours early, I had plenty of time to walk around and explore. Like usual, I turned this into an adventure and began to wonder. I walked from Hakata Station to the company office in Tenjin. The walk isn't bad. It's only about 1.2 miles. I enjoy walking, but if I'm ever rushed there is a subway line I can take, and taxis that are always around. I'm glad I chose to walk this morning because I stumbled across multiple temples I had never seen. They were breathtaking. I took advantage of them not being crowded with people and took my time walking through them. They're incredibly peaceful. I love that the temples can be found in the middle of a bustling city. It's a neat juxtaposition.

Eventually I made my way to the building where the company office is. I love visiting the Fukuoka Branch Office because there is a huge Starbucks right across the street. I popped in this morning and ordered a tall cafe late. I had about 20 minutes to sit and use the wifi before I headed up to the meeting room.

New Starbucks Frappuccino flavors

It's really nice not being a new ALT. I don't have nearly as many problems navigating my way around. Sure, I still rely heavily on Google Maps, directions, and landmarks, but I have a much better sense and understanding of my surroundings.

Both of the meetings went well, but I really enjoyed the training session. I learned some new techniques of how to help engage the students in the lessons, and also how to manage classroom activities. I'm looking forward to trying these in the upcoming term.

Tenjin, Fukuoka, Japan

The training session didn't end until about 5. I was hungry and mentally drained, so I decided to pass on window shopping around Tenjin and head to a restaurant called Bills. Next time I'm in Fukuoka though, there's a store called Muji that I want to visit. It's a lifestyle brand that makes everything from furniture to clothing. I'm looking forward to seeing their products in person. I found out about them through an article in The Japan Times that said how Muji is planning to build a hotel in Ginz around the time of the 2020 Olympics. The Muji style seems to be focused on utility and minimalism which are two concepts I greatly appreciate. I can already tell that I'm going to be shopping at this store in the future.

Bills Restaurant, Fukuoka, Japan

Let me gush about this restaurant called Bills for a second. I'm obsessed. This morning when I was walking to the office I passed a building that caught my eye. When I ventured closer I realized that it housed two different restaurants. The one I was interested in was called Bills. The menu was stunning ... it looked like what I would picture if Whole Foods had it's own restaurant. Everything seemed so fresh and familiar. When I found out they served ricotta pancakes with bananas and lavender honeycomb butter, I knew I had to eat there at some point. 

Cafe Latte at Bills

So, I came back in the evening. I sat in a corner booth and ordered a cafe latte and ricotta hotcakes. It was such an amazing meal. Both my meal and the restaurant were asthetically pleasing. The decor actually reminded me a lot of the textile designer Jonathan Adler. He has a store in Dallas, Texas, USA that I love visiting. He's like a modern Andy Warhol. I like how he makes simple things seem bold. Anyway, all I'm trying to say is that Bills is a beautiful restaurant. I'm telling you, I'm obsessed.

Bills' ricotta hotcakes with bananas and lavender honeycomb butter.

Once I finished my meal, I walked back towards Hakata Station. At the station I visited all of my favorite places ... the rooftop garden, Dean & Deluca, KITTE, ... etc. I also found a ton of new restaurants I had no idea existed. There's a place called Doug's Burger that I'm dying to try. I can't wait for another excuse to go back to Fukuoka.

Hakata Rooftop Garden, Hakata Station, 11 F

I had such a great day in Fukuoka. I'm so glad I went. For my trip back to Orio, I splurged and took a Limited Express train. It cuts the travel time in half and it's so comfortable. It was definitely worth the extra 510 yen. 

Hakata JR Train Station, Fukuoka, Japan

I've got a lot going on this week ... English camp, Japanese studying (I actually am using a textbook now), and gym sessions to start preparing for the half marathon I want to run in November. I'm sure this week will end up flying by and I'll wonder where the time went, but at this moment all I can see is my   l o o o n g   to-do list.

My favorite whiskey highball is the grapefruit flavor.

Also, I couldn't resist sharing this. Even though I didn't partake, I think it's so cool that Suntory had a Whiskey Highball Garden Party. If I hadn't been so full of coffee and pancakes, I would've jumped in line. JAPAN seriously always has something going on. I love it!

XOXO

P.S. I forgot to mention that I went to my Japanese Conversation Class this past Sunday. My head felt like it was empty. Not only was I have trouble remembering Japanese, but also English. I was a mess. This week's class should go a lot better.

Kurosaki COM CITY, Japanese Conversation Class

Kokura Gion Daiko

Kokura Gion Daiko Festival 2017

As the rainy season is coming to an end, groups walk through the city streets chanting, drumming, and pulling decorated floats. They pray for the continued safety of Japan as well as a variety of other things. 

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This past week was ... blurred. I'm staying busy at school and it's showing. I felt myself go into 'zombie mode' this week. It's like I had hyper-focus. I had an extra long to-do list. Somehow, I managed. Everything on my list was taken care of and before I knew it the week was over. 

As efficient as my 'zombie mode' is, it's not actually enjoyable. I remember getting this way in high school and college whenever I stretched myself too thin. Everything I needed to do would get done and at the end I would wonder, How'd I do it? It's not a great feeling.

As I was getting ready to head into Kokura on Saturday afternoon, I could feel myself coming out of my 'zombie mode'. I was more relaxed and definitely more present. I was making an effort to let myself enjoy an evening with my co-workers. It's been about a month and a half since I've seen other company ALTs. I'd been looking forward to this outing since I heard about it a couple of weeks ago.

The plan was for us to meet at Nishi-Kokura Station, walk around Kokura Castle viewing the taiko drumming and decorated floats, and then head to a restaurant for dinner and drinks. 

Here's how it went ... 

Earlier in the day I had worked an English Camp for about 48 elementary school students. When I finally got back to my apartment, I took a quick shower, napped, and changed into jeans before heading into Kokura.

I met up with the other ALTs and office staff at Nishi-Kokura Station. From there, we walked to the Riverwalk and Kokura Castle. We walked through the lines of festival vendors and watched all the different groups carry their decorated floats. Hearing the taiko drumming and the chants is really neat. It definitely feels festive and I always want to cheer them on even though I have no idea what they're saying.

Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

Pineapple Yakitori Vendor, Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

I absolutely love pineapple on a stick. It's one of my favorite festival foods. I didn't get it this time around, but I'm planning to get it when I got to Fukuoka to see the fireworks show. I'm looking forward to it.

Rows of Vendors, Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

For me, the highlight of the festival was not the drumming and chanting, it was running into my students from last year. I was lucky enough to have a few different encounters with my 3rd year students who are now all 1st year high school students. I was so happy to see them and it definitely made my night. Also, on Friday I was able to see some of my 3rd year students from last year as well. I was so thrilled to see them that I stayed later than I was intending to and had to take a later bus home. It was well worth it. 

Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

Kokura Castle, Kokura Gion Daiko 2017

Kankoku Shokudo Dejiburu, Kokura

After walking around the festival, we all headed to a Korean BBQ restaurant where we had dinner reservations. It was absolutely delicious and I seriously want to go back. The main course was pork & veggie lettuce wraps. It was perfect because I didn't have to worry about eating around any kind of bread. I loved it!

Kankoku Shokudo Dejiburu, Kokura

Kokura Gion Daiko Festival 2017

After our 90 minutes of food and drinks were up, we all headed to the Lucky Moon bar. The Lucky Moon is one of my favorite places because it's foreigner friendly. The inside reminds me of a log cabin and I swear the same bartender, Riki, is always there. I like going there whenever we have work events.  My drink of choice is a tequila tonic (テキーラトニツク). 

The Lucky Moon Bar, Kokura

テキーラトニツク , Tequila Tonoic

As we were walking to the Lucky Moon, I found myself in the middle of one of the drumming groups. One of the members came up to me and started a conversation. Before I knew it I had taiko drum sticks in my hand and was playing one of the drums. All I remember hearing is him saying, "1 ... 2 ... 1 ... 2." I guess that's how I was keeping the rhythm. It was absolutely hilarious and so much fun. I think what made it so great was how unexpected it all was. After I had my turn on the drums, I motioned for the other ALTs to join and some of them gave it a try. As we were thanking them for letting us play, I asked if we could take a picture with one of them.  Take a look ...

After a couple of tequila tonics, I paid my tab and left for the train station. I took the last train out of Kokura and actually had a seat for ride back to Orio. I put my headphones in, set an alarm, and closed my eyes. The ride back is about 30 minutes. 

When I got back to Orio around midnight, I stopped by FamilyMart for a latte and a donut. It's my go to "tipsy food" combo. It's absolutely delicious! 

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So as wild as this past week was, I'm happy I had it. Whenever I start to get flustered or unsure about what I'm doing here, I remind myself that I'm living in Japan and doing exactly what I want to be doing at this point in my life. It's not always picture perfect like I would like it to be, but it's mine and that's what's important. I've said this before and I know I'll say it again, but  ... 

One day I'm going to be homesick for Japan and a lifestyle (teaching English as an expat) I used to have. 

Knowing that there is a time limit on my stay in Japan helps keep me focused on not taking any of this for granted. This is an experience that I'm so glad to be having.

Summer is almost here. I have a few more days of classes, an English camp, office meetings, and then I'll be on vacation. I'm counting down the days. This is so unlike me, but I haven't finalized my summer plans yet. I'm not even sure if I'm taking a trip anywhere. I just know that I'm looking forward to having my own time and getting back on track.

Japanese Conversation Class: Reading Katakana

lately - さいきん - saikin

As 2016 was ending, I remember writing something along the lines of ... If 2016 was a year of change, than 2017 will be a year of growth. 

Lately, I've been feeling those growing pains. These past few weeks have been filled with self-reflection, perspective adjustments, and a lot of honest conversations. I'm feeling myself grow. and I'm seeing myself let go of a lot that I've let hold me back.

It's empowering ... scary ... embarrassing ... disappointing ... wildly rewarding ... and all for the better.

So here's my most recent growing pain ...

Today, I did something I should have done moths ago. I learned how to read and write katakana.

The Japanese writing system consists of three kinds of characters: 

ひらがな - hiragana 

カタカナ - katakana

漢字 - kanji

When I came to Japan in May of 2016, the only Japanese I knew was basic expressions for greeting people and giving thanks. Basically, I could be very polite and that's about it.

After attending the Japanese Conversation Class for a couple of months, I finally learned to read and write the hiragana (ひらがな) characters. When that happened I felt so proud and so accomplished. What I should have done is kept my momentum and continued to learn the katakana characters. Instead, I relaxed and focused only on my accomplishment. I became complacent.

Well lately, all those growing pains have helped me gain back my momentum. I've been making conscious efforts to make consistent decisions that my future self would be proud of. Excuse the overly used cliche, but it's an accurate description of my current mindset.

So with my momentum gained back, I tackled the katakana characters. I download an app (Kanafree), I opened my textbook, I broke out my notebook, and I got to work. 

Today's Japanese class went so well. I got to tell Shoko-san, in Japanese, about my trip to Sasebo; my dinner in Fukuoka; my Japanese junior high school students; and I got to show off my new skill set.

Now that I can read and write hiragana & katakana, I need to work on building my vocabulary. 

This time, I'm keeping my momentum and I'm not letting myself become complacent. I've gained too much to let myself regress now.

So here are my pictures from my afternoon in Kurosaki ... 

Orio Station > Kurosaki Station

Kurosaki Station COMCITY

Kurosaki Station COMCITY

katakana: グランデ カフエ ラツテ [gurande kafue ratsute]

romaji: grande cafe latte

Japanese Conversation Class, Kurosaki, COM CITY

Japanese Conversation Class, Kurosaki, COM CITY

This is a picture of the Tanabata trees that were displayed in COM CITY.

Tanabata was celebrated on Saturday, July 7th. People write their wishes on colorful sheets of paper and attach them to bamboo trees. 

When I was in Sasebo a couple of weekends ago, I wrote a wish on a piece of paper and attached it to a bamboo tree. My wish was for my junior high school students to speak English. I believe it's bad luck to say your wish out loud, but since it already came true, it's alright for me to share it. 

This past week my students did an outstanding job speaking English during the International English Event. I was so proud of them! I'm looking forward to hosting more events like that. It's such a great opportunity for them.

If you want to read the story of Tanabata, click the link below. 

Tanabata - Story of Two Star-Crossed Lovers

Kurosaki Station, COM CITY

Kurosaki Station, COM CITY

Orio Station