Japan Diaries 4: Week 34

Week 34: June 20 - 24, 2022

Day 231: June 20, 2022

Monday - Rumoi

Rumoi High School 6/20/2022

It's the start of another week here in Japan. Like all Mondays, I'm reporting back to Rumoi High School. After the morning announcements in the faculty room, I was briefed by my JTE that starting today until next week, we will use the shortened schedule due to the ongoing club activities and competitions and also in preparation for the upcoming School Festival.

Here's my workload for today:


Ideal English Class @ 3-46 of Matsuda-sensei

Sharing Grammar Points @ 3-11 of Matsuda-sensei

1st period - Ideal English Class @ 3-46 of Matsuda-sensei
3rd period - Ideal English Class @ 3-35 of Matsuda-sensei
5th period - Sharing Grammar Points @ 3-11 of Matsuda-sensei

I received a gift from a member of the broadcaster club who I trained and won a competition

We had the English Club after the 6th period. We talked about the upcoming school festival and also updated on what our club will do during the festival. 

Time to go window shopping

When I got back home, I accompanied my wife and daughter on our afternoon stroll. We went on a short visit to Homac and MaxValu.

That night, Mr. Toshi called and talked to us about their plan to visit Hokkaido this coming August. We discussed the itinerary and when we'd meet them. This one is something we're looking forward to doing in the future. 


Day 232: June 21, 2022

Tuesday - Rumoi x Taishi Festival

Rumoi High School 6/21/2022

It's another sunny day in Rumoi City. It's my second day here at Rumoi High School this week. 

Here's my workload for today:

Listening Task @ 3-11 of Matsuda-sensei

Japanese Culture @ 2-345 of Sato-sensei

1st period - English Grammar in Japanese @ 3-F1 of Matsuda-sensei
2nd period - Listening Task @ 3-11 of Matsuda-sensei
3rd period - Japanese Culture @ 2-345 of Sato-sensei
5th period - My Favorite Animal @ 1-1 of Motoyama-sensei
6th period - My Ideal English Class Presentation @ 3-46 of Matsuda-sensei

I got my Notice of Reappointment today. Yey! 😌

During Sato-sensei's class, I discovered that Rumoi City is celebrating the 2-day Rumoi Shotoku Taishi Festival or simply Taishi Festival. According to one of the students that I asked, stalls are set up along Jinjyashita dori and many of the students are planning to visit after school.  

I didn't want to miss it so my family and I went to Jinjyashita dori to check it out after work. 
However, before we went there, we first visited the Rumoi City Library to spend some quiet time.

Hokoku-ji is the center of the festival and most locals visit it and offer a prayer

Team Nicerio checks out Rumoi City's Taishi Festival


From there, we went to Jinjyashita dori to experience our first Taishi Festival here in Rumoi City. There were more than a dozen stalls that lined up both sides of the street. There were food, drink, and even game stalls. Of course, we didn't miss trying out the food there. 

Rumoi English Chat Club

The Rumoi English Chat Club went to check out the Taishi Festival

After about an hour, my family went back home as I needed to attend our bi-weekly Rumoi English Chat Club. It was a "Free Speech Day" so we had many topics. The chat club members also wanted to see the festival hence, we decided to go there as a group before calling it a day. 

Day 233: June 22, 2022

Wednesday - Teshio

Teshio High School 6/22/2022

It has been 3 weeks since I last visited Teshio High School. Today is my 4th time visiting this school for the school year 2022 - 2023. For this visit, I used my 2-day Moekko Free Ticket.

Here's my workload for today:

2nd period - School Festival in the Philippines @ 3A and 3B of Miyakoshi-sensei
3rd period - School Festival in the Philippines @ 2A of Miyakoshi-sensei


After the 3rd period, the 3rd year classes including most of the teachers had an outdoor activity so I was allowed to go home earlier. I managed to catch the 12:51 PM Engan Bus back to Rumoi. 

Day 2 of the Rumoi Taishi Festival

Ella met some of my students attending the Taishi Festival



I got home at around 3:55 PM. This means, my family and I have an opportunity to attend the second day of the Taishi Festival. As expected, there were a lot of my students there as well. It was heartwarming to be greeted left and right. In a way, I felt like a VIP during this visit. 

Dinner at Rumoi Sukiya

Here's my order for today

We didn't stay long though, I brought my wife and daughter to Sukiya for dinner so that my wife wouldn't cook anymore when we got back home and also so that we could rest early. 

Overall, I got to attend the 2-day Taishi Festival this year. I hope that the pandemic ends before the festival next year so that there will be more stalls like how it was years before. 

Day  234: June 23, 2022

Thursday - Embetsu

Embetsu Agricultural High School 6/23/2022

Today is my 7th time visiting Embetsu Agricultural High School for the school year 2022 - 2023. For this trip, I'll be using my 2-day Moekko Free Ticket. 

Here's my workload for today: 

4th period - Past tense review @ 1st year Advanced of Sasaki-sensei
5th period - Past tense review @ 1st year Basic of Sasaki-sensei

Day 235: June 24, 2022

Friday - Tomamae

Tomamae Commercial High School 6/24/2022

It's a rainy Friday. Today, I'm heading to Tomamae Commercial High School. It's my 9th visit to this school for the school year 2022 - 2023. For this trip, I used my 1-day Moekko Free Ticket. 

Here's my workload for today:

Amazing Grace @ 1st year of Hasegawa-sensei

2nd period - Amazing Grace @ 1st year of Hasegawa-sensei
3rd period - Guessing Game @ Elective of Hasegawa-sensei

Overall, it was another productive week. I'm really happy to see and work with my JTEs from my visit schools again.  It's also our first time attending the Rumoi Taishi Festival.
We look forward to the Rumoi Dontou Festival next week. Aside from that, we are looking forward to a fantastic weekend. 

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

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp - Batangas

Image
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas  One of the best places to go camping...  ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
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

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

National Shrine of St. Padre Pio - Batangas

Image
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa  St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
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

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

List of Festivals in the Philippines: April

Image
Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of  April ?   Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this April . Rodeo Masbateno Festival Location:  Masbate City, Province of Masbate Details:  The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos. Kangayedan Festival Location:  Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte Details:  The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment.  Butanding Festival Location:  Donsol, Province of Sorsogon Details:  The festival is celebrated every 28th of April to t
Keep reading

Cagayan Adventure: Palaui Island

Image
Our adventure today takes us 457 kilometers northwest of kilometer 0 in Manila. Located in the municipality of Sta. Ana in the province of Cagayan, Palaui Island is every backpacker's / island hopper's dream destination. Palaui Island Palaui Island Details  Palaui Island was declared a National Marine Reserve on August 28, 1994. It is home to countless species of migratory birds, corals, fishes, and even plants.  Palaui Island -  Sta. Ana, Cagayan Palaui Island as seen from San Vicente Port Palaui Island got into the international spotlight after it was used as the filming location for Survivor: Cagayan and Survivor: Blood vs. Water. Not only that, but Palaui Island is also placed in the 10th spot in CNN's World's 100 Best Beaches list. Dos Hermanos Islands as seen from Palaui Island Panoramic view of Palaui Island from Mt. Kabo My group visited the island to see its "raw" beauty. You see, the negative effect of becoming a popular island
Keep reading

Sato Auto Campground of Firefly - Hokkaido

Image
Sato Auto Campground of Firefly ( ほたるの里オートキャンプ場 ) is the nearest campsite to the famed Horoshin Spa of Numata. It is located at 612 Horoshin in the town of Numata in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Sato Auto Campground of Firefly Sato Auto Campground of Firefly details If you're looking for a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature, Sato Auto Campground of Firefly in Hokkaido is the perfect destination. The lush greenery of the Horoshin district provides an idyllic setting for your vacation. Sato Auto Campground of Firefly  - Numata town, Hokkaido Prefecture The campground is open from early June until September and offers a variety of accommodation options, including campsites and cottages. Reservations are accepted by phone from the second Monday of April and can be quite competitive, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. Administration Building Administration Building A miniature water wheel display Sato Auto Campground of Firefly map Upon reservation, customers receive a c
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