Week 80: May 8 – 12, 2023
Day 553: May 8, 2023
Monday – Rumoi
It’s hard to believe that I’ve lived in Japan for 80 weeks. Time has flown by so quickly that it feels like I arrived just yesterday. As I wake up on this Monday morning, I feel the weight of another week begins to settle in. But despite the grind of work and responsibilities, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the experience of living in this beautiful country.
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| Rumoi High School 5.8.23 |
Today’s work takes me to Rumoi High School, a place I have come to appreciate for its hardworking teachers and energetic students. In a way, I have always looked forward to going to this school.During the morning announcements, we were told that we would have a shortened schedule today. It means that we will have 5 minutes less per period. Here’s my workload for today:
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| Collab work with Sengoku-sensei |
1st period – Enjoy Your Journey P2 @ 1-56 of Matsuda-sensei2nd period – My Most Memorable Day this Golden Week @ 3-4 of Sengoku-sensei
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| The Brass Band Club played before we started the club presentation |
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| Each club paraded in the gym and a representative gave a message to the 1st year students |
6th period – Club presentation activity
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| Rumoi English Club |
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| Ella making her version of Shin Ramen |
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| Ella's Shin Ramen |
After classes, we had the Rumoi English Club. We discussed our plans and how we could recruit new members for this year. When I got home, it was Ella who made dinner. She cooked her version of Shin Ramen.
Day 554: May 9, 2023
Tuesday – Asahikawa
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| Riding the Engan Bus going to Asahikawa City |
It’s a sunny Tuesday morning here in Rumoi City. I’m not reporting for work today as I filed for the special free day leave. Instead, I’m heading to the Asahikawa Driver’s Licensing Center in Asahikawa City for my practical exam. If I pass it, I will finally have my Japanese Driver’s License. If I fail, I need to retake my written exam and wait for several more months again before the practical exam.
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| Asahikawa JR Station |
I rode the 9:49 AM Engan bus from the Motokawacho bus stop in Rumoi to Asahikawa Station. I arrived in Asahikawa City at 11:50 AM. From there, I took a taxi to the Asahikawa Driver’s Licensing Center. I was the earliest of those who were scheduled for the day as the exam was still at 1:30 PM. Regardless, I used that time to watch “Driving in Japan” tutorial videos and study the course but the most important thing that I did was pray. |
| Asahikawa Driver’s Licensing Center |
By 1 PM the two other examinees arrived and they were from Vietnam. Like me, they are also retaking the exam after failing the first time. We were processed right on the dot. In a way, God probably sent angels as the staff that handled my papers was very friendly and her smile lessened my anxieties.
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| After 4 hours, I finally got my Driver's License |
The driver who gave us a demo drive of the course tried his best to speak English which also helped a lot. Lastly, the lady examiner assigned to me was strict but professionally guided me throughout the driving course even if I told her that I already memorized it. With all those factors, I aced the exam. After that, I had to complete the Japanese Driver’s License process. Overall, it took me almost 4 hours to get my license.
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| Back to Asahikawa JR Station |
From the Asahikawa Driver’s Licensing Center, I rode a bus back to Asahikawa Station. Since I still have time, I bought donuts for my wife and daughter. I hopped on the last bus to Rumoi and got home at around 7:20 PM. |
| Can you spot the train? You can see its video below |
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| Saw a beautiful sunset on my way home. I'm very excited to finally be able to drive this weekend |
Overall, it was an amazing day. I felt fulfilled and all my anxiety was lifted. Now, I’m looking forward to the first road trip with my family with me on the helm (again). See you guys!
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| Collab work with Miyakoshi-sensei |
3rd period – Jeopardy @ 3A of Miyakoshi-sensei5th period – Jeopardy @ 2A of Miyakoshi-sensei
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| Millennium Park |
Since I had some time before my bus back to Rumoi City arrived, I walked to the Teshio Bus Stop to wait for my bus there. On my way there, I passed by and took photos of Teshio Roadside Station, Teshio History Museum, and the Millennium Park.
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| Jenga Present Perfect Activity |
4th period – Present Perfect @ 3rd year of Sasaki-sensei
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| Project Presentation during the 5th and 6th period |
5th and 6th period – Project Presentation of the 2nd and 3rd year classes in the gymDay 557: May 12, 2023
Friday – Tomamae
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| Tomamae Commercial High School 5.12.23 |
It’s a cloudy Friday morning. Today, I’m heading to Tomamae Commercial High School. It’s my 3rd visit for the School Year 2023 – 2024. For this trip, I used my 2-day Moekko Free Ticket.
Here’s my workload for today:
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| Collab work with Matsushita-sensei |
2nd period – Bingo Game @ 1st grade of Matsushita-sensei
3rd period – Bingo Game @ 3rd grade of Matsushita-sensei
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| The Engan Bus Sales Office Near the Former Rumoi Station |
Jon was on sick leave, so only Mike and I tag-teamed for today’s activities. After work, I went to the Engan Bus Sales Office near the Former Rumoi Station to buy more Moekko Free Tickets for my future school visits before heading back home.
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| Moekko Free Tickets 15th Season |
That night, my wife and I spent some time making an itinerary for our weekend trip. Speaking of which, since I finally acquired my Japanese Driver’s License, my family and I will have the opportunity to go on road trips again. It’s very timely as it is our anniversary this Saturday and it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday.
Overall, I visited Rumoi High School, Teshio High School, Embetsu Agricultural School, and Tomamae Commercial High School. Aside from that, I finally got my Japanese driver’s license, something that I have prayed and worked hard for. I’m excited to finally be able to drive around Hokkaido.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 80
Moekko Free Ticket 15th Season
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