Japan Diaries 4: Week 72

Week 72: March 13 – 17, 2023

Day 497: March 13, 2023

Monday – Rumoi

Rumoi High School 3.13.23

The winds are howling fiercely today in Rumoi City, reminiscent of the typhoon days back in the Philippines. As I peer outside, watching the swaying trees and leaves being carried away by the gusts, memories of stormy weather flood my mind. It's amazing how the elements can evoke such powerful recollections.

Thank you, Sekiguchi-san

Today, I returned to Rumoi High School. This week, classes are shortened by five minutes each, which slightly changes the day’s rhythm. When I entered the classroom, I found a small gift on my desk from Sekiguchi-san. It’s heartwarming to know she enjoyed the Banba Race yesterday along with the team. I’m very grateful to her for the thoughtful gesture.

Here’s my workload today:

1st period – Q&A UNO game activity @ 1 – 36 of Motoyama-sensei

In the afternoon, we had the English Club where we also did the UNO Game Activity. It was a big hit. The activity was fun and we got to know more about each other because of it.

Day 498: March 14, 2023

Tuesday – Rumoi

Rumoi High School 3.14.23

After the rain yesterday, there is snow today. However, with the temperature expected to be 2 to 3 degrees the whole day, the snow wouldn’t stay. Today, I’m back reporting to Rumoi High School.

Here’s my workload today:

5th period – Q&A UNO game activity @ 1 – 1 of Motoyama-sensei

After work, I went walking with my family...

It wasn't that cold so we were able to go to Tsuruha Drug and then walk back home.

When I got home, my family and I went out for a walk. It was cold but tolerable. As usual, our walk turned into grocery shopping because we ended up going to Tsuruha Drug in Hanazonocho. We got back home after an hour outside.

Day 499: March 15, 2023

Wednesday – Haboro

Haboro High School 3.15.23

It’s a cold but sunny day here in Rumoi City. The roads are now mostly clear of snow and there is grass growing in the cracks in the roads. It only means one thing, It’s almost spring!

Farewell Kawakami-sensei

Today, I’m visiting Haboro High School. It’s my 15th and last visit for the school year 2022 – 2023. For this trip, I used my 2-day Moekko Free Ticket. Kawakami-sensei happily informed me that he passed Eiken Grade 1 and was thankful for all my help. However, he broke the news that he would be transferring to Otoineppu after this school year. That means today is our last day working together.

Here’s my workload for today:

2nd period with Okumura-sensei

1st period – Interview Activity @ 1st year of Kawakami-sensei
2nd period – Memorization Technique @ 2nd year of Okumura-sensei

Rumoi City Library

Inside Rumoi City Library

I saw this kinki (fish) and found out that it's called channel rockfish. It's commonly caught in the winter season

I also found some venison at half the price but my wife isn't interested in it.

I was able to head back home a bit earlier today as I didn't have any afternoon classes so my family and I were able to go to Rumoi City Library. After that, we headed to COOP to buy some groceries. 

Day 500: March 16, 2023

Thursday – Embetsu

Embetsu Agricultural High School 3.16.23

Today greeted me with the gentle patter of raindrops against the windowpane. It's a unique rainy day in winter, where the world seems to hush and find solace in the pitter-patter symphony. Undeterred by the weather, I set off on my 29th visit to Embetsu Agricultural High School, marking another chapter in the academic year of 2022-2023. For this trip, I used my 2-day Moekko Free Ticket.

Here’s my workload for today:

Collaboration work with Sasaki-sensei

1st period – Jeopardy @ 2A of Sasaki-sensei
2nd period – Jeopardy @ 2B of Sasaki-sensei

After classes, I was surprised to learn that my friend, Kitsui-sensei, was transferring to Rumoi High School after this school year. That of course made me super happy as Rumoi High School is becoming a place where all my close friends are.

Day 501: March 17, 2023

Friday – Tomamae

The weather looks good. I hope it continues for the whole day

Tomamae Commercial High School 3.17.23

Thank goodness it's Friday! Today's weather forecast predicted a cloudy day with temperatures hovering around a chilly 2 degrees. Despite the gloomy outlook, I find myself filled with anticipation as I embark on my 32nd visit to Tomamae Commercial High School. This journey marks yet another chapter in the ongoing school year of 2022-2023. For this trip, I used my 1-day Moekko Free Ticket.

For today’s classes, Hasegawa-sensei asked me and Jon to prepare an activity. Here’s my workload for today:

2nd period – Jeopardy @ 2nd year of Hasegawa-sensei
3rd period – Jeopardy @ 1st year of Hasegawa-sensei

It suddenly snowed hard at around 10 AM and it lasted for about 2 hours. This means that the roads are again covered in snow.

After my 2nd period class, I was shocked to discover that it was snowing hard once again. The fields and streets which were already clear from snow earlier were again covered with several inches of snow. Regardless, I know this won’t stick and will probably melt tomorrow.

Osteria Cibo

Here's our meal for today's departmental nomikai

This nomikai is also a farewell party for Motoyama-sensei

That evening, I had nomikai with the teachers of the English Department at Osteria Cibo. It’s a way for us to thank Motoyama-sensei for being part of the department for 5 years.

Overall, this week was another productive week. I visited Rumoi High School, Haboro High School, Embetsu Agricultural High School, and Tomamae Commercial High School. I can’t wait to see what the weekend will bring. See you guys!

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 72
Moekko Free Ticket

Rumoi City Library

10 Things to Do in Rumoi City

10 More Things to Do in Rumoi City

Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

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