Japan Diaries 4: Week 18

Week 18: February 28 - March 6, 2022

Day 119: February 28, 2022

Monday - Rumoi HS Graduation Practice

Rumoi High School 2/28/2022

Hello everyone! It's Monday once again. What's unique about this week was that I don't have collaboration classes the whole week due to the graduation day ceremonies and the entrance exams for the incoming 1st-year students of Rumoi High School. I also don't have to visit school schedules for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. 

Rumoi HS graduation practice 2/28/2022


For today, I only attended the graduation practice. After which, I spent the remainder of the day studying Kanji. 

Practicing my basic kanji. What are these kanji?

That's pretty much how my Monday went. I'm excited to see the graduation ceremonies tomorrow. However, it's honestly a bittersweet moment for me though as most of the graduating students were close to me already. Regardless, I'm happy that they get to move on to bigger things like work and college degrees. 


Day 120: March 1, 2022

Tuesday - Rumoi HS Graduation Ceremony

This is it! The big day for the 3rd year high school students of Rumoi High School. It's their graduation day.

Rumoi High School 3/01/2022


There are no classes today as the whole school invested its manpower in the graduation ceremony. 

Rumoi High School graduation ceremony 3/01/22


This is the first time that I witnessed such a thing here in Japan. Aside from that, it's also the first time that I saw a crowd of almost a hundred people gathering in one place here in Rumoi City. 

Rumoi English Chat Club

After work, I was picked up by Yoko-san of the Rumoi English Chat Club because Adachi san is working overtime. For the club, we talked about the difference between American and British English. 

Day 121: March 2, 2022

Wednesday - Rumoi HS Preparation for Entrance Exams

Rumoi High School 3/02/2022

Hey guys! It's my third day straight of not having classes here in Rumoi High School. For today's activity, the teachers were given different tasks to prepare for the 2-day entrance exams starting tomorrow. 

We cleaned the getabako

I also helped clear Kutsumi-sensei's 3-3 classroom

I helped with cleaning the getabako or the shoe cabinets and also clearing Kutsumi sensei's 3-3 classroom of its decorations. 


Day 122: March 3, 2022

Thursday - Rumoi HS Entrance Exam Day 1

Today is the first day of the entrance exams for the incoming 1st-year hopefuls here in Rumoi High School. The whole day is dedicated to written tests. 

Rumoi High School 3/03/2022

The applicants are here... good luck to them!

As for the teachers, we were given yellow ribbons to pin on our clothes so that we can be identified as members of the faculty whenever we are in the hallways. 


As part of the tradition, teachers are also not allowed to leave the campus during the exams. Well, I have nothing to do outside anyway so I spent the whole day studying Kanji.

Day 123: March 4, 2022

Friday - Rumoi HS Entrance Exam Day 2

Today, the applicants in Rumoi High School will go through an interview process. Like yesterday, teachers are not allowed to leave the campus during work hours and just like yesterday, I spent the whole day studying Kanji.

Rumoi High School 3/04/2022

What's unique about today was that the transfer list paper was released to the faculty. This paper contains the list of teachers who would leave Rumoi High School and also the list of the incoming teachers who would replace them. 

The list of teacher transferees was posted on the bulletin board today...

I'm sad to share that 3 of my 6 JTEs in Rumoi High School will transfer to different schools. This includes my supervisor - Kutsumi-sensei who would be going to Date City. The other two are Komai-sensei and Shikou-sensei. 

Walking back home after a long bittersweet day

Overall, this week is definitely a bittersweet week for me. I have been here less than a year and some of those who became close to me are already leaving. Well, looking at it positively, it is also a chance for me to develop new friendships and connections here in Hokkaido. 

Read more:



Previous:


Next:



Location: 4-chōme-91 Chidorichō, Rumoi, Hokkaido 077-0024, 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

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

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

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

Calaca Church - Batangas

Image
Located at the poblacion of Calaca in the province of Batangas, Calaca Church is one of the Spanish colonial era churches of the province. Calaca Church -  St. Raphael the Archangel Parish Church Calaca Church History Also known as St. Raphael the Archangel Parish Church , Calaca Church was said to be founded in 1836 which was a year after the establishment of the town of Calaca. The church was built from the collective sacrifices and efforts of the townspeople of the town. It was said that the men and women of Calaca gathered the materials needed to build the church from the town of Balayan. Using their bancas or small riverboats, they hauled the sand, stone, wood, adobe, and limestone and brought them to Calaca via the Pansipit River. Those materials would then be hauled by the locals to the site where the church would be constructed.  Calaca Church - Calaca, Batangas Calaca Church facade The Apostolic Penitentiary posted outside the church during our visit
Keep reading

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

Barcelona Ruins Park - Sorsogon

Image
Located on the coastal area of the town Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon, Barcelona Ruins Park refers to the park where century-old ruins of Spanish colonial-era buildings are found. Barcelona Ruins Park Barcelona Ruins Park History Speaking of the ruins of Spanish Colonial-era buildings, there are two such ruins in Barcelona Ruins Park . The school building ruins at the southeastern tip of the park and the prominent Presidencia building ruins in the northwestern tip of the park.  The ruins of the Presidencia building as seen from across the street A closer look at the Presidencia Building The ruins of the school building at the far end of Barcelona Ruins Park The Presidencia building was once the office of the governadorcillo during the colonial period. If you're wondering why the building seems massive in size, well it's because it doubled as a fortress that guards the town against the pirates and Moro raider that once frequently attacks Spanish-cont
Keep reading

Quituinan Hills - Albay

Image
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town.  Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch .  Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Sobetsu

Image
10 Things to Do in Sobetsu Sobetsu ( 壮瞥町 ) is a town in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The name of the town was derived from the Ainu name of the current Sobetsu River, " so-pet " which means waterfall/river. For those planning to visit Sobetsu to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Sobetsu : Sobetsu Roadside Station  /  Roadside Station Sobetsu Johokan   I 1. Visit the  Sobetsu Roadside Station  /  Roadside Station Sobetsu Johokan   I 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 station has various displays about Mt. Usu which are very informative. Statue of Masao Mimatsu   with   Showashinzan 2. Take a picture with the  Statue of Masao Mimatsu  with  Showashinzan  as your background.  Sobetsu Shrine 3. Visit the  Sobetsu Shrine . You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Sarufutsu

Image
10 Things to Do in Sarufutsu Sarufutsu ( 猿払村 ) is a village in the Sōya Subprefecture in Hokkaido, Japan. The name Sarufutsu is derived from the Ainu word "sar-put." (mouth of reed field). It was once a place name for the mouth of a river in the modern Hamasarufutsu district. For those planning to visit Sarufutsu to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Sarufutsu : Sarufutusu manhole cover 1. Take a picture of Sarufutusu’s unique manhole cover . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common and can be seen around Sarufutsu village proper. Sarufutsu Park Underground Walkway 2. Cross Highway 238 using the  Sarufutsu Park Underground Walkway  and appreciate how this common underground walkway is transformed into an artistic path using a black light. Onishibetsu Shrine 3. Visit the  Onishibetsu Shrine . You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. It is unmanned so you can’t get a goshuin here. Indigirka Cenotaph 4. Visit
Keep reading