It's Not Them, It's You!

I’m not a big fan of rage writing, but today is just one of those days. 

A couple weeks ago, one of my friends asked me to fill out a questionnaire for her website dedicated to helping applicants “get into the most competitive English teaching program in Japan,” the JET Program (woot). I was a bit taken aback by her thought-provoking questions, but I remember lingering on one specific question:

What do you think is the hardest challenge for ALTs on the job? 

At first, I wasn’t sure. Maybe it was the language barrier? Maybe it was the differences in our cultures? Maybe I could just invent some generic answer, but whom would that help? Instead I wrote a short, professional summery of what I believe is the hardest challenge for ALTs, leaving out the long, unprofessional summery for you to read shortly. 

Challenge #1: Get over yourself!

There! It’s written in this subsection’s title; I feel better already! There is a huge problem with overinflated egos and ramped nationalism among the foreign population in Japan. ALTs expect to be catered and fussed over, and then complain when their 15-minutes of fame ends unexpectedly. ALTs also have a habit of focusing on how thing are done in their own countries and instead of seeing things in a different perspective. Why is that Japan is “rules over logic,” when in reality it’s “when in Rome…?” 

I can hear some mentally saying, “Gabie, you’re such a hypocrite!” 

Am I? I am a complainer! I love to complain. I am complaining in this post. If there were a job out there where I could complain all day, I would do it. But I also get over it and myself, fairly quickly. At first I complained about Japanese "meteorological" bus companies calling the shots, but you know what happened next typhoon? I, like every other Japanese person on this island, waited for the announcement from the bus companies. You live. You learn. You move the hell on. I don’t let it change my opinion of Japan, and I don’t scream out to the far corners of the Internet that I hate the country that hosts me despite the fact that I willingly applied for this program. 

Challenge #2: What is your purpose? Oh, you have no purpose? Ok...

The reason we are here in Japan is to teach English, right? But what is your purpose? I’m not talking about some existential bullsh*t. How are you spending your free time? What are your goals? What do you want to take from this experience? Or are you just here to f*ck around? I mean that literally too! There are too many ALTs that come to Japan without a single purpose other than to find a Japanese boyfriend/girlfriend/bangbuddy. If you do reader-who-I-hope-this-applies-to, then get ready for disappointment. I am not saying that love can’t be found and sex can’t be had, but your “extracurricular activities” shouldn’t define your time in Japan. Period. 

Challenge #3: Work Culture

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a good relationship with your coworkers. Sometimes it’s out of your control, but you know what is in your control? You’re attitude? No matter how I feel that morning, I plaster a huge smile on my face and “Ohayo gozaimasu” the shit out of all of my coworkers. Who would be mean to a happy, energetic, pretty-pretty princess! It not “fake it until your make it;” it’s “reap what you sow.” However, the most important thing is that you show up on time and work hard. How can you expect your coworkers to bend over backwards for you, when you don’t stand up straight for them? Suck it up, get genki and work hard and maybe you too will get away with breaking rules every once in a while. 

TL;DR: Get over yourself, quit f*cking around, and work hard.

Teaching Update: After a Year

It's been a while since my last update and I've completed one year as an English teacher with the JET Program, so it's time for an update! To check out my last update, click here!

M. Elementary

Kindergarden = Weekly

1st - 4th = Holidays

5th & 6th= Weekly

Although I got along well the 6th grade substitute teacher, who temporarily took over for the homeroom teacher when he was out for intestinal surgery, English class became disaster due to one misbehaved boy named Fumiya. Whether it was a hormonal imbalance or a lack of respect for female teachers, Fumiya created a dangerous situation and was subsequently removed from all English classes. Any efforts, including my own, to correct his behavior were met with half-assed apologizes. I don't know whether he was trying to get a laugh, but even his classmates defended me and ostracized him. His behavior extended out of English class, as he ran away from school several times before graduation. My board of education became involved as well, and apologized for any discomfort caused by his disrespectful behavior. I was told recently that he has calmed down since entering middle school. A lot of students, including Fumiya, aspire to be pro-baseball players, and he was told that he couldn't be a delinquent and play on the school's baseball team. 

(Update: I just heard Fumiya is still acting up, and driving the middle school ALT crazy) 

When the new school year commenced, the 6th grade homeroom teacher returned from his sick leave and now teaches the new 6th grade class. A new set of kinderbabies arrived as well, and they have been an absolute joy. In pre-school they learned how to say, "Thank you for your lesson, we are happy today," which they always use as a goodbye chant. I also work very well with the kindergarten teacher and she's intends to reschedule field trips so that I can help chaperone. The new 5th graders are very genki about English, but there are some boys have developed teacher crushes. Yikes! Since March, I only teach 1st - 4th grade during holidays, which gives me too much free time. However, I understand that more time is need for their other studies.

K. Elementary

Kindergarden = Weekly

1st - 4th = Monthly

5th & 6th= Weekly

Not much has changed in this school aside form the 6th graders graduation, which made way to a  new set of 5th and 6th graders. The new 5th graders are more difficult to teach because they have only nine students, including one girl who is half American. However, I was told they have a general lack of interest in all classes and because of this, their homeroom teacher will update me on their genki-ness (energy level) before each English class. Some days are better than others but, generally, they finish the lessons and retain the information. Moreover, the Japanese-American girl confessed that I inspire her to speak more English at home. That means I'm doing something right, right?

Although a few teachers have changed, I remain very close with the faculty and staff. My favorite is the vice principal who is a very fatherly and does his best to use English. During the teacher's meeting on Tuesdays, I give a one-point English lesson on a random phrase or word. It's cute to hear them use it throughout the day, and I am glad they've taken up such an interest in English. There is also one new staff hire who's speaks fluent Spanish because her husband is Mexican. It's  a Godsend! We chit chat during our breaks in Spanish, which helps me feel more at home. Now, the faculty and staff want to learn some Spanish as well! Viva el Español! 

Tuesdays are Taco Tuesdays!

Oh! Remember the 4th grade teacher that I supposedly had a major crush on? He switched  schools! To G. Elementary, as the new science teacher! 

G. Elementary
Kindergarten = Never
1st - 4th = Bi-weekly
5th & 6th = Weekly

The rumor of my crush continued at G. Elementary with all the school girls hounding me about my supposed love affair with their new science teacher. Good Grief! The girls know I have a boyfriend, who they refer to by name (Maikeru-san, lol), but they still have this crazy idea that I am uwaki-ing (extramarital sexy timing) with every male teacher around. However, at this point I've given up on trying to convince them and just switch my crushes" on a weekly bases to keep things interesting.

What my students think of me -_____-

It was pretty clear in my last update that Thursdays and Fridays were my least favorite workdays due to dealing with the Satan 6th graders and a couple staff members who had it out for me. However, I can happily report that the demon children graduated, and the others either retired or moved on to different schools. What a fucking difference!  

This year, they split up the 6th graders into two sections and although they have two different homerooms, I teach English with one homeroom teacher while the other covers Social Studies. Having this class split up into two sections helps with classroom management, but that doesn't make English class successful. The 6A class remains silent with only one star student answering all the questions. However, they will repeat a word or sentence after me and answer questions when asked individually. The 6B class is more active, but has a few pranksters like Rin-chan. What sets them apart from the previous Satan 6th graders is their lack of animosity towards me. I'll take that as a success! So far, my favorite class is the 4th grade. I am convinced that their homeroom teacher, Mika-sensei, will become Japan's first female prime minister. She's a tough lady and has a handle on her 40-student class! They have the best English out of all 3 schools and it's because she makes sure they both understand and diligently complete the activities. I do more advanced English with them and it's been a lot of fun! 

Overall, I have a feeling this year be stress free. Wish me luck!

Happy Dance

 Side note: The purpose of this entirey is not to fiercely criticize the Japanese workplace, as issues can arise in any job, but instead share my experiences with family, friends, and those interested in the JET Program or working in Japan.

So, You Wanna Eat Like an Okinawan?

Most people think of sushi and ramen when they think of Japanese food, but what of Okinawan cuisine? With a vast difference in climate, culture, and history, there must be a difference in their cuisines, right? Below, I highlight some of the staple meals, drinks and sweets in Okinawan cuisine that are a must when visiting! Enjoy the food porn!

Main Dishes

Taco Rice - Not to be confused with Tako or Octopus, this Okinawan dish consists of taco-flavored ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato and salsa, served on a bed of rice. It is a very common meal and you can find Taco Rice almost anywhere in Okinawa. As a pescatarian, I haven't had the opportunity of taste-testing Taco Rice, but my boyfriend became a bit obsessed during his visit here. Try this Oki-Mex meal during your visit!

Click the picture for a link to a recipe 

Champuru - meaning "something mixed" in Okinawan, is a stir-fry dish and consists of either Tofu or Goya (bitter gourd) mixed with vegetables and ham, or spam. Goya is an extremely bitter vegetable that looks like Gozilla's skin. I've had Goya Champuru as a bento, in school lunches, and at restaurants but it's not my favorite dish. I prefer the Tofu Champuru over Goya Champuru, but I know people who swear by Goya. I encourage everyone to at try Goya Champuru least once, but I can't guarantee that you'll like it. Sorry!

Click the picture for a link to a recipe 

Okinawa Soba - is a noodle soup that consists of wheat noodles, instead of buckwheat noodles, that resemble udon, with ramen-esque soup. The usual toppings includes a fish mutton cake, pork slices, and ginger, with other ingredients added depending on the restaurant. Due to the ramen-like soup, this dish is not pescatarian friendly, but I've had it, sans the pork, at a local restaurant. Since then, I buy Okinawa soba noodles and cook it in vegetable stock with my own  special ingredients. 

Click the picture for a link to a recipe 

Drinks

Shikuwasa Juice - is a Okinawan common lime that is made into a sour drink packed with Vitamin C. Although it's considered a common lime and can be used for cooking, this is not lime juice. It actually taste nothing like lime juice. I should know, because I hate anything lime or lemon flavored, but I can drink Shikuwasa Juice. Some foreigners, even those with a high level of Japanese, are put off by the name since it always referred to in katakana (script used for foreign words). If you're ever in Okinawa, try some!

Orion Beer - Japan's 5th largest brewery, Orion Beer, commands more than 50% of the beer market in Okinawa. Sadly, this 5% alcohol-content drink only has a 1% penetration in mainland Japan. Therefore, Orion Beer is not readily available in mainland Japan, and you may have to search for a bit to find some. Unfortunately, I can't give a review on Orion Beer, but I found a helpful video to do it for me! Watch below!

Fun Fact! One of my friends here in Okinawa was Miss Orion Beer! I see her posters all the time around the island! 

The lovely lady on the right

Awamori - is an alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa that is made from distilled, not brewed, rice.  Awamori has a 30-40% alcohol content and because of such high demands, modern Awamori is made from Thai rice instead of Japanese rice. The most common way to drink Awamori is mixed with water or on the rocks. The taste is nothing short of rubbing alcohol, but it's a popular drink for the brave.

Sweets

Chinsuko - or as I like to call them "Okinawan Crack Cookies," are a type of short bread cookie/biscuit. If you want a similar taste, head to your local supermarket and pick up a pack of Keebler Sandies. Chinsuko are popular souvenir foods, but you can find them at local supermarkets in Okinawa. My only warning is that they are really addicting! Eat with responsibility!

Sata Andaagi - are deep-fried Okinawan donuts! Sata means "sugar", anda mean "oil," and agi means "fried" in Okinawan. The Japanese equivalent to name would be sato (or "sugar") abura (or "oil") age (or "fried"). The taste of Sata Andaagi isn't unfamiliar to those who have eaten carnival food but be sure to have a glass of milk ready, because they can be a bit dry.

Click the picture for a link to a recipe 

Ben-imo - According to the famous Dr. Oz, Okinawan Sweet Potatoes or Ben-imo are a super food, rich in beta-carotene, that have "150% more antioxidants than blueberries." Is this the secret to Okinawa's longevity? Who knows! But you will find Beni-mo and Beni-mo-flavored sweets everywhere! The color may be a bid daunting, but do yourself a favor and try everything  Beni-mo. You won't regret it!!

Ben-imo Kitkat!

Eisa: An Okinawan Performance

The Japanese holiday of Obon is a day where families reunite to commemorate the dead by visiting and cleaning ancestors' graves. During this time, festivals are held to transport portable Shinto shrines or Mikoshi  to a temporary Shinto site. For an example, watch the video below!

Although this festival is common throughout Japan, Okinawa is and is not Japan and this mikoshi festival does not exist in Okinawa. Instead, Okinawa has it's own traditional festival and performance called Eisa. Eisa is a combination of Okinawan traditional music performed on a sanshin using Uchinaguchi lyrics along with taiko drums and Okinawan dancing. It's mostly performed during the summer and fall, but the Eisa chant "Haiya iya sasa" can be heard all year round on commercials and on the radio. The largest Eisa festival is held in Okinawa City, where a massive street performance shuts down the entire city! However, even small towns like mine will have Eisa performances during the summer! Most students also perform Eisa during their Sport's Day! It's a very moving performance and it is essential for the preservation of Okinawan culture. Think of it this way: Eisa is to Okinawa what Hula Dancing is to Hawaii! 

Check out some videos (and pictures too!) below, and try to see if you can hear the "Haiya iya sasa" chant! 

Here are some of my videos! 

(Sorry about the quality)

The mascots of Okinawa City are Eisa Performers! 

Reverse Culture Shock (Update)!

I'm heading home by the end of this week and although I am excited to see my family and friends, a part of me is worried about reverse culture shock. I've grown accostumed to my life in Okinawa, and I know I'll be a bit shocked when I return to Miami. Here's why:

No So Home Alone

Although my parents will do everything in their power to make me comfortable, I have experienced the freedom of walking stark naked through my apartment. That's freedom! I also had a chat with my mom about her overprotective ways. I know she loves me, but the point is to have me come back home and not run back to Japan. Love you mom!

(Update) I am happy to report that I had plenty moments for stark nakedness since my parents worked during the day! Haha! Ok, I know that's not important. It felt very natural being home, and I relished the moments when my pets took up most of the bed. It was nice to see everyone, but it was also nice to have moments alone to run errands or just do mundane things around the house. 

Street Harassment

Street harrassment isn't exclusive to the United States, but I have yet to experience street harassment in Okinawa. I can run around my town without being honked or hollared at. This will probably be the biggest shock since I really love the safe environment that Japan provides. Sayonara safety, and hello pepper spray.

(Update) I wonder if I was too harsh about my hometown. Maybe my city has changed, but it's probably more logical to consider that I have changed. I didn't experience any harassment or uneasiness.  Gas stations for me were always the worst and even though I attracted a few glances, I wasn't leered into discomfort. Everywhere I went, people struck up a conversation or went out of their way to help me. I was kind of taken aback by the unexpected acts of kindness. 

Too Busy, Sorry

I don't expect my friends to drop everything because I am visiting, so I know that there will be a few of my sucias and sucios that I won't see during my stay. #sad

(Update) Two weeks goes by in a flash and unfortunately I couldn't hang out with everyone or see some of my favorites more than once. However, I loved the moments spent with the ones I did see. It helped me remember the concept of true friendship and not the ones forged by convenience through the JET Program. 

Crazy Drivers

I am a pro at driving on the left - the fact I passed the driving test the first time confirms this - so I know it'll be odd driving on the right.

I drove on the left one in a parking lot. Luckily, it was only a parking lot! It was also nice to drive a car that had horse power. 

The Point

The best thing anyone can do is understand that reverse culture shock is normal, and to keep busy. And if it's one thing I've learned about myself is that...