Japan Diaries 4: Week 7


Week 7: December 13 - 17, 2021 

A Week Before Christmas

Hey guys! It's my 7th week here in Hokkaido as an ALT for the JET Programme. One more week before Christmas. Sadly, the atmosphere is very different here. There is no such thing as a Christmas Spirit. In a way it made me miss Christmas in the Philippines. For sure, the malls there are all playing Jose Mari Chan songs and are busy raking in cash with their Christmas Sales. 

The quietness and coldness of Hokkaido have their pros and cons but for this season loneliness really does creep in. Regardless, I kept myself busy to defeat the feeling. So here's what kept me busy this week:

Day 42: December 13, 2021

Monday - Rumoi 

Snow falls (again) in Rumoi City. I wonder if this is the real deal.

Rumoi High School 12/13/2021

I love how my Monday workloads are usually light. For me, it's the perfect way to start the week. However, the thing is, it has already begun snowing hard in just a night, and the city is covered with snow (again). I hope it melts like last time. I'm not ready for snow yet.  

Here's my workload for the day:

2nd period - Living with Robots @2-1 of Motoyama-sensei
4th period - Jiko shokai @ 3-1 of Komai-sensei

We didn't have English Club today so that pretty much wraps up my Monday schedule. 

My version of the giniling

When I got back home, I cooked a Filipino dish called giniling as I kinda missed home. 

Day 43: December 14, 2021

Tuesday - Rumoi

Walking along Chidoricho going to work

Here's my workload for the day:

2nd period - Living with Robots @ 2-2 of Shiko-sensei
3rd period - Christmas in the Philippines @1-5 of Sato-sensei
6th period - Mine Kaffon @3-2 of Kutsumi-sensei

Dinner at Sukiya Rumoi to meet the newest Rumoi ALT

Here's what we ordered for tonight.

The new Rumoi ALTs. We are finally complete.

That evening, I met up with the new Rumoi elementary school ALT Joshua, and the JHS ALT Kiaya. We ate dinner at Sukiya - Rumoi to formally welcome Joshua.

Day 44: December 15, 2021

Wednesday - Embetsu

It's my schedule to visit Embetsu Agricultural High School once again. This is my 2nd time visiting this beautiful school. 

Embetsu Agricultural High School 12/15/2021

Just to share, I'm actually looking forward to visiting this school because the teachers here are really friendly. I particularly enjoy talking with Kitsui-sensei and Suda-sensei. For today's trip, I used my first 1-day Moekko Free Ticket.

Here's my workload for today:

5th period - Jiko Shokai @ 3rd year of Sasaki-sensei

Embetsu bus stop

Riding the Engan bus back to Rumoi City

Since my workload was light today, I took the opportunity to study Japanese and also talk to the teachers and students in their free time before going back home.


Day 45: December 16, 2021

Thursday - Haboro

It's my schedule to visit Haboro High School once again. The last time I visited was during my 3rd week here in Hokkaido. 

Haboro High School 12/16/2021

Preparing for Okumura Sensei's class

What I currently enjoy in this school is the youthful enthusiasm of its all-men English department. I feel that in a way, they always have something new to offer. For today's trip, I used my 2nd 1-day Moekko Free Ticket. 

Here's my workload for today:

2nd period - Comparative words @ 1st year of Okumura-sensei
5th period - Interview lesson @3rd year of Watanabe-sensei

Day 46: December 17, 2021

Friday - Tomamae

It's my second time visiting Tomamae Commercial High School. However, unlike last week, Hasegawa Sensei didn't pick me up. Instead, I took the 6:44AM Engan Bus to the Uehira bus stop. 

Check out how much snow covered the Motokawacho bus stop

Uehira bus stop

Here's the transfer bus to the Tomamae Shougyou KouKou Mae bus stop

Tomamae Commercial High School 12/17/2021

With my Tomamae JTE Hasegawa Sensei


From there, I waited for the 7:58AM bus to Tomamae Shougyou KouKou Mae. The fare was 1010 yen + 160 yen for the transfer. However, for today's trip, I used my 3rd 1-day Moekko Free Ticket. 

Here's my workload for today:

2nd period - Jiko Shokai @1st year of Hasegawa-sensei
3rd period - Jiko Shokai @2nd year of Hasegawa-sensei
4th period - Jiko Shokai @3rd year of Hasegawa-sensei

I got a bit nervous as the other ALTs were there observing my Jiko Shokai. Also, I had to modify my Jiko Shokai as suggested by Hasegawa-sensei.

Tomamae Shougyou KouKou Mae

The other ALTs left during lunchtime to go to their other visit school. I stayed to socialize and get to know some students and teachers. I got to chat with Mitsuki Sensei as she was in charge of the school newspaper and wanted to feature me in it. I rode the 1547 bus to Uehira to catch the 1607 bus to Rumoi. 

Dinner with the other ALTs at Joshua's place

Meal for the day - deep-fried mushrooms and shrimp

I got an invite from my Rumoi ALT friends to have dinner at Joshua's place. The food was great and the peals of laughter were genuine. It was a perfect workweek ender. 

See you in my next article!

Read more:



Previous:


Next:



Location: Rumoi, Hokkaido, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort - Cavite

Image
UPDATED: October 30, 2020 Located in Tanza in the province of Cavite, Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort is a stunningly luxurious getaway with reasonable (and some say affordable) prices. Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort Details Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort is a place recommended for those who are looking for a quality stay that is just a stone's throw away from Manila. It's also a perfect place for a quick weekend getaway or a summer escapade with the family or  barkada .  This place also prides itself on its hotel accommodations and its outdoor facilities. Not to forget, the delicious food served in its in-house restaurant. Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort   - Tanza, Cavite The pool as seen from the hotel building The huts near the beach Speaking of its hotel, seeing it for the first time would make you say that it's not your ordinary cheap hotel. When you enter it, you'd be welcomed by an elegant modern architectural designed interior. The
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

First Timer's Guide to Collecting Goshuin

Image
Japan has always been the best country when it comes to souvenirs. Each city prides itself on its own product which is perfectly suited for the different tastes of tourists. As a travel blogger whose interest is mostly culture and history, I'm naturally inclined to buy souvenirs that remind me of the rich history and culture of the places that I have visited. Oftentimes, I am left with no other option but to buy refrigerator magnets, key chains, and pins. However, during my last visit to Japan, I discovered and got a unique souvenir that I think you'd also love to take home (and bring back to Japan next time you visit). This souvenir would surely remind you of Japan's cultural, religious, and historic side... this souvenir is none other than a goshuin collection. First Timer's Guide to Collecting Goshuin A goshuin is described as a temple or shrine stamp/seal that is written by a temple priest called a kannushi in a special notebook called goshuincho which tran
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Chitose City

Image
10 Things to Do in Chitose City Chitose ( 千歳市 ) is a city in the Ishikari Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . Chitose was originally named shikot in the Ainu language, which means " big depression or hollow ," similar to Lake Shikotsu, which is a caldera lake. This sounded too much like dead bones (死骨, shikotsu ) in Japanese, so it was altered to Chitose. For those planning to visit Chitose City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Chitose : Chitose City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Chitose City . So far, I have seen one unique manhole cover which is expected in the city. There is a colored version of this installed in front of  Michinoeki Salmon Park Chitose . Chitose Roadside Station 2. Visit the  Chitose Roadside Station  /  Michinoeki Salmon Park Chitose  and buy products that are produced or made in the town. You can also get the roadside station stamp here for the Hokkaido Stamp rally booklet. This roadside statio
Keep reading

Hiking Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Image
Our adventure today takes us to a mountain south of Metro Manila. Mt. Gulugod Baboy  (other variations Mt. Gulugod-Baboy ) is located in Anilao, Mabini in the province of Batangas. Gulugod-baboy is a Filipino phrase that means "pig's spine." The mountain got its name from the contours of the peaks which resemble a pig's back as seen from Janao Bay. Mt. Gulugod Baboy Mt. Gulugod Baboy details Mt. Gulugod Baboy - Mabini, Batangas Mt. Gulugod Baboy , despite being called a mountain, may also be referred to as a hill. This is because of the fact that the distinction between a hill and a mountain remains subjective and unclear. (As you may know, the maximum height of a hill is still being contested.) I'm taking a picture of my friend Raine doing a Teletubby jump Mt. Gulugod Baboy fun moments Other Teletubby moments... So what's the big deal? Mt. Gulugod Baboy stands 525 meters above sea level. Typically, landforms reaching 500 feet (152
Keep reading

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Japan Diaries 2: Day 5

Image
Day 5 May 21, 2018 Kyoto Adventure (Day 2) We woke up to yet another beautiful day here in Japan . The weather is great, perfect for our planned activities for today.  To familiarize ourselves with the place where we will live for another three days, our plan for today is to have a walking tour around Kyoto Station which is quite near our place. I told my wife that she should be prepared to walk the whole day and I'm happy that she agreed. (Well that's one less problem for me). The Kyoto City Bus Passenger Station < On a side note, my wife has been planning to meet up with Gil, her long-time Filipino friend who happened to have settled in Kyoto City after marrying a Japanese. However, it was a challenge for us to coordinate our moves with her as we did not avail of any pocket WIFIs or roaming numbers for our mobile devices. Regardless, we'd get to meet Gil as the story progresses... > Well, well, well... Look at what we have here! We left our Air Bn
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass

Image
First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass Kyoto City is one of the most touristy destinations in Japan . There are numerous tourist destinations scattered around this 827.8 square kilometer city that commuting sometimes becomes too costly and stressful particularly for travelers who are on a tight budget.  As of 2018 , the fixed rate for city buses is 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children per ride. Now, imagine riding the bus 5 times a day or more... Luckily, there is something that can remove this concern from the equation. First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass The Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass gives you that hassle-free and cost-efficient commuting experience during your visit. For just 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children , tourists can get that unlimited bus ride for a day. However, before availing of the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass , one should keep these in mind first... This one's for daddy and mommy This one's fo
Keep reading

Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks - Kyoto

Image
Months prior to our visit to Japan , my wife tagged me to a trending post on Facebook about this unique Starbucks store in Kyoto City. This Starbucks branch was dubbed the " Edo-style Starbucks ."  Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks The said post piqued my interest as I was crafting our Kyoto City itinerary during that time. I then made sure to include it in the said itinerary and as a matter of fact, I placed it on our first-day plans. Before I write about what happened next, let's first discover the good-to-know information about this Starbucks store. You'd surely miss it if you don't know where it is... I had to ask around to find it.  Yup, I'm in the right place! Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks - Kyoto City Edo-Style Starbucks History The Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya , better known as the tatami-styled Starbucks is located at Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji Minami-dori Shimogawara Higashi Ino Masuya-cho 349, Masayacho, H
Keep reading