Japan Diaries 4: Week 8

Japan Diaries 4: Week 8

Week 8: December 20-24, 2021

Day 49: December 20, 2021 

Monday - Rumoi

Off to Rumoi High School

In a way, going to different schools made me miss my main school which is Rumoi High School. By now the temperature averages 3 degrees to -4 degrees. I have fears that my water pipes may freeze so I asked my co-teacher Yasuda Sensei to teach me how to close the water line and drain the pipes. He promised to come by after work today. 

Here's my workload today:

2nd period - Christmas in the Philippines @2-1 of Motoyama-sensei
3rd period - Christmas in the Philippines@3-2 of Kutsumi-sensei
5th period - Living with Robots @2-2 of Shiko-sensei
English Club - We successfully baked muffins and had a little tea party

Rumoi High School English Chat Club Muffin-making activity

It's a success!

Rumoi High School - Time to go home...

Got an email from Noboru san about the Rumoi English Chat Club

Since it was a payday Monday, I went to Lawson to buy some food and drinks before heading back home. Yasuda-sensei and Sasaki-sensei arrived sometime around 8PM to teach me about turning off the pipes. 

Day 50: December 21, 2021

Tuesday - Rumoi

Snowy day in Rumoi City

Today is my last visit to Rumoi High School for the week. We also have a special English Club today. Aside from that I also have the Rumoi English Chat Club after work. 

Inside one of Motoyama sensei's class

Here's my workload for today:

3rd period - Restaurant Conversation Activity @ 202 of Motoyama-sensei
4th period - Brick Vocab test + Christmas in the Philippines @ 2-34 of Motoyama-sensei
6th period - Vocab Quiz + Christmas in the Philippines @ 3-345 of Motoyama-sensei
Special English Club - We watched The Grinch, Motoyama-sensei made popcorn while I brought Calpis. 

Attending the Rumoi English Chat Club at Asuka Coffee Shop

After the club, I went back home and waited for Noboru-san to pick me up for the 7-9PM Rumoi English Chat Club held in Asuka Coffee Shop. There, I met the other members namely Yoko Takahashi, Ikuko Komo, and Dr. Shibusa. 


We talked mainly about the topic for the day which is Christmas, but of course, it branched off to different topics which interested them. The club is a great way to meet and make Japanese friends. After the club, Noboru-san drove me back home. It was a busy but fulfilling Tuesday.

Day 51: December 22, 2021

Wednesday - Embetsu

Engan Bus to Embetsu Agricultural High School

Arrived at Embetsu bus stop

Walking to Embetsu Agricultural High School from the Embetsu bus stop

Today is my 3rd visit to Embetsu Agricultural High School. I used my 2nd 2-day (consecutive) Moekko Free Ticket. 

Embetsu Agricultural High School - 12/22/21

Here's my workload for today:

2nd period - Jiko Shokai @ 2nd year of Sasaki-sensei

My workload for today was pretty chill. That's why I had a lot of time studying Japanese and conversing with the other teachers and staff. Speaking of which, Koucho-sensei was in the faculty room the whole 3rd period. 

Thank you Kouchou sensei for the potatoes

We had a chance to talk about some stuff before he left for lunch. I was surprised when he came back as he had a bag full of potatoes for me to bring home. 

Day 52: December 23, 2021

Thursday - Teshio

Met Asami Barker on the bus to Teshio

Arrived at Teshio Koko Mae bus stop

It's my 2nd visit to my farthest school Teshio High School. I boarded the 6:14AM bus and arrived at around 9:16AM. For this trip, I used my 2nd t2-day (consecutive) Moekko Free Ticket.  At the Embetsu Bus stop Asami Barker, the friendly wife of Cameron Barker, the Embetsu ALT boarded and we had a fun time chatting. 

Teshio High School 12/23/21

A class about Christmas in the Philippines with Miyakoshi sensei of Teshio High School

Here's my workload for today:

2nd period - Christmas in the Philippines @2A and 2B of Miyakoshi-sensei
5th period - Christmas in the Philippines @3A and 3B of Miyakoshi-sensei
6th period - Christmas in the Philippines @ 1A of Miyakoshi-sensei

Day 53: December 24, 2021

Friday - Tomamae

Tomamae Commercial High School - 12/24/21

Was featured in the school's newspaper

It's my 3rd time visiting Tomamae Commercial High School. Since it's the day before Christmas, Hasegawa-sensei planned a special class for his students. I used my 4th 1-day Moekko Free Ticket.

Here's my workload for today:

2nd period - Christmas Party @ 2nd year of Hasegawa-sensei
3rd period - Christmas Party @ 3rd year of Hasegawa-sensei

Christmas party with Hasegawa-sensei's classes

Hasegawa sensei brought Christmas cake for everyone to share

I left Tomamae Commercial High School with Guy and Mike early because I asked Guy to teach me how to pay bills via debit card at Rumoi Shinkin Bank Kotambetsu Branch. 

Kotambetsu Bus Stop

From there, we walked to the Kotambetsu Bus Stop for what we believed is the 2:30PM bus to Uehira but it turned out that the next bus was still at 3:45PM. We just waited and in a way, I enjoyed chatting with Guy and Mike. Overall, I'm looking forward to visiting Tomamae Commercial High School again in the future but for now, this is the last school visit that I have for the year. 

Read more:


Previous:


Next:


Location: Teshio, Teshio District, 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

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 declinin...
Keep reading

Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park - Cavite

Image
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park mark the supposed place where Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio were executed in 1897. Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park History We learned from the previous post about Bonifacio Trial House the story of the trail leading up to the last days of Andres Bonifacio . Since I did not fully elaborate on his death, I think it is very relevant to talk about it now in relation to our featured destination - The Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park . Check out the images on the BAYANI Check out the images on the KKK A perfect angle to see the KKK and Bayani I'm wondering if that face is scared, shocked, or excited... The statue of Andres Bonifacio wearing a very fashionable camisa de chino Our local guide showed us the way to the peak of Mt. Nagpatong After his...
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

10 Things to Do in Otaru City

Image
10 Things to Do in Otaru City Otaru City ( 小樽市 ) is a port city in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The name is believed to be of Ainu origin. It possibly means " river running through the sandy beach ”. For those planning to visit Otaru City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Otaru City : Otaru City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of Otaru’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The first one is the one with the otter and the other is the one that features the Otaru Canal. However, there is a colored version of the latter located near the LeTao Main Store. Aside from that, there is an  Otaru Pokemon Manhole Cover  featuring the Alolan Vulpix with what appears to be stained glass windows as his backdrop. Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch 2. Visit the  Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch  and learn about the golden age of banking in Otaru City. You can watch the map projection on the ceiling of i...
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine  ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine...
Keep reading

10 More Things to Do in Asahikawa City

Image
10 More Things to Do in Asahikawa City There are a lot of things to do in Asahikawa City ( 旭川市 ) in Hokkaido, Japan . That’s why I’m back with 10 More Things to do in Asahikawa City . However, keep in mind that some of the places here are located on the outskirts of the city. They are best visited by private vehicles or rental cars so that you can explore them or do the activities without worry.  If you have accomplished the first ten then you should do these after: Hachiya Ramen @ Furarito  1. Go to Furarito Restaurant Street ( ふらりーと ) and try one of the many restaurants or izakaya there. I highly recommend Hachiya Ramen if you are looking for authentic Asahikawa Ramen . Hokuchin Memorial Museum 2. Visit the Hokuchin Memorial Museum  ( 北鎮記念館 ) and learn about the 7th Division of the Imperial Army dubbed Japan's defenders of the north.  Asahikawa Gokoku Shrine 3. Pay your respects and offer prayers at Asahikawa's other prominent temples, such as the Asahikawa ...
Keep reading

Japan Diaries 4: Day 387

Image
Day 387: November 23, 2022 Wednesday – Labor Thanksgiving Day It’s a very cold but surprisingly sunny day here in Rumoi City ( 留萌市 ). It also happens to be Labor Thanksgiving Day which is a public holiday here in Japan . This only means one thing… It’s another opportunity for #TeamNicerio to travel. For today’s road trip, we decided to drive around Rumoi City. JR Rumoi Station We took a lot of pictures with the Kazumo-chan standee JR Rumoi Station 's anniversary According to some locals, this might be the last anniversary of JR Rumoi Station as it will close down next year Inside JR Rumoi Station The Soba Shop inside Rumoi Station Old photos were on display inside the station C11 207 Suzuran I'm happy to see that there are still some people who use the Rumoi Line Our first stop for the day was JR Rumoi Station . I read from the Rumoi City website that there is an anniversary event being held at the station. Since this seems to be the last anniversary before the train line ...
Keep reading

First Filipino Family to Visit All 179 Municipalities of Hokkaido: A Memorable Adventure

Image
Living in Hokkaido has its perks and challenges. However, for this article, when I say "challenge", I say it with enthusiasm. Why? Because we are taking on another "challenge". First Filipino Family to Visit All 179 Municipalities of Hokkaido: A Memorable Adventure In my last article, I shared our exciting adventure with the  #Hokkaido35Cities Challenge , where my family and I explored all 35 cities of Hokkaido . But why stop there? Inspired by the beauty and diversity of this region, we decided to take things to the next level with the  #Hokkaido179 Challenge . This ambitious goal involves visiting  all 179 municipalities  of Hokkaido, spanning cities, towns, and villages. The challenge follows the same rules as the previous one but with an expanded scope. Here’s what each visit entails: The Rules of the #Hokkaido179 Challenge: Physical Visit : Spend at least an hour exploring the municipality. Photographic Documentation : Take a photo of the following: The manhol...
Read more

Japan Diaries 4: Week 56

Image
Week 56: November 21 – 25, 2022 Day 385: November 21, 2022 Monday – Rumoi It’s a rainy morning. I was shocked by the news that Jason David Frank died today. He is well-known for his role as Tommy Oliver or simply Green Ranger in the hit show Power Rangers. He would forever be remembered by the 90s kids like me. RIP Green Ranger . Rumoi High School 11.21.22 As for my work, today, I’m heading back to  Rumoi High School . It’s exam week today so I won’t have any collaboration work. So, I spent my day studying Japanese using the  VLJ Course . I’m happy to share that I finally finished Unit 4 of the five units in the course. Manga and bagoong ! The perfect combination I didn’t waste time starting with the 5th. When I got home after work, my wife served green mango and bagoong . This reminded me of the food that we usually have in the Philippines.  Day 386: November 22, 2022 Tuesday – Rumoi Rumoi High School 11.22.2022 It’s the second day of exams. I’m back reporting at Rumo...
Keep reading

Iwao Onsen Attamaru - Hokkaido

Image
Iwao Onsen Attamaru  or Iwao Hot Springs Attamaru ( 岩尾温泉あったま～る ) is a day trip onsen facility on the outskirts of Mashike. It is located along Route 231 at 109-1 Iwaoi in the town of Mashike in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Iwao Onsen Attamaru Iwao Onsen Attamaru details Iwao Onsen Atamaru is a cozy hot spring nestled on a small hill by the coast, quietly welcoming visitors at the southern entrance of Mashike Town. Known for its simple acidic water, this hot spring is cherished for its healing properties, particularly for skin ailments and rheumatism. Iwao Onsen Attamaru - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture Found at the southern tip of Shokabetsu Teuri Yajiri Quasi-National Park , the Ofuyu Iwaro Area boasts stunning natural beauty. Ofuyu Beach, stretching for 25 kilometers, showcases towering cliffs and diverse landscapes, offering breathtaking views, especially during sunset. Relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere while soaking in the warm waters. Iwao Onsen Attamaru facade 岩尾温...
Keep reading