The Backpack Adventures

Week 95: August 21 - 25, 2023 Day 658: August 21, 2023 Monday – Rumoi Rumoi High School 8.21.23 It's the beginning of my 95th week in Rumoi as an ALT with the JET Programme. The weather forecast predicts a mostly cloudy morning, followed by sunshine in the afternoon. Today, I'll be heading to my main school, Rumoi High School, as part of my regular Monday visit schedule. Here’s my workload today: Class with Matsuda-sensei 1st period – Listening Activity @ 1-56 of Matsuda-sensei 2nd period – Welcome to Our Town @ 1-34 of Matsuda-sensei 5th period – Directions @ 1-56 of Matsuda-sensei Rumoi High School English Club After classes, we had the Rumoi High School English Club . We spent it editing and improving the essays and script for the contest. Day 659: August 22, 2023 Tuesday - Rumoi Rumoi High School 8.22.23 It’s going to be a hot sunny day today according to the weather forecast, but thankfully it was cool and cloudy in the morning. That’s why I was able to bike to Rumoi Hi...

Weekend 94: August 19 – 20, 2023 Day 656: August 19, 2023 Saturday – Asahikawa City It's another weekend and although it's scorching hot outside, my family and I didn't want to miss the chance to go for a drive. We decided to head to Asahikawa City for today's trip, although it wasn't our typical road adventure. Our main destination was the AEON Mall next to the JR Asahikawa Station . Off to Asahikawa City JR Asahikawa Station as seen from AEON Asahikawa Ekimae Our first task of the day was for me to get a haircut. Normally, I would go to the barbershop in the Asahikawa Heiwa Shopping Street , but this time I decided to try Quick Cut BB on the 4th floor of the mall, where they offer a 15-minute haircut for 1400 yen. Surprisingly, despite the quick process, the haircut turned out pretty good. My wife was pleased with the outcome, so I might consider going there again in the future. Quick Cut BB @ AEON Mall Asahikawa Ekimae We explored the mall a bit to look for ...

Week 94: August 14 – 18, 2023 Day 651: August 14, 2023 Monday – Obon Day 1 x Rumoi What a wonderful Monday morning it has been! The air was so fresh, and the sun's gentle light painted everything with a warm and welcoming glow. Today marked the start of my 3-day Obon break, a much-needed pause from the usual busy routine. Enjoying the sun with an early morning stroll near Midorigaoka Elementary School We decided not to go on any road trips today because we knew that many locals would be heading back to their hometowns, possibly causing traffic and crowded tourist spots. Instead, we aimed for a calm and peaceful day The morning began with a special activity. Kai and I joined Ella as she watered the plants at Midorigaoka Elementary School . It was a meaningful task for her, and it filled my heart with happiness to see her taking responsibility so seriously. The school's focus on instilling a sense of duty in the kids touched me deeply. Rest time for the kiddos Believe it or not, ...