Week 103: October 16 – 20, 2023
Day 714: October 16, 2023
Monday – Rumoi (Special Non-Working Day)
Today was such a refreshing day filled with both responsibilities and leisure. Because the teachers in Rumoi High School had to work last Saturday for the school's 100th-anniversary celebration, we were given today as a free day. Finally, a chance to catch up on some much-needed sleep! The day started with a soft patter of rain outside, making it the perfect excuse to spend a cozy day at home with my family. However, we also had some important tasks to complete. So, after a leisurely breakfast, we set out on our small adventure.
 |
| First stop for the day - Heartful |
 |
| The staff of Heartful were really friendly and accommodating to us. |
Our first stop was Heartful, where we needed to submit the necessary files for my wife's maternity benefits. It felt good to have that crossed off the list, knowing we were taking care of necessary paperwork for our growing family.
 |
| Rumoi Industrial Hall |
 |
| We inquired about the Rumoi City Lifestyle Gift Certificate |
Next, we headed to Rumoi Industrial Hall to inquire about the "Rumoi City Lifestyle Gift Certificate." It was our way of exploring the community and potentially finding some exciting opportunities or experiences that the gift certificate could provide.
 |
| Next stop: Nishimatsuya |
After that, we made a quick stop at Rumoi Shinkin Bank to withdraw some money. It's always good to have a bit of cash on hand for unexpected expenses or emergencies. Our next destination was Nishimatsuya in Chosei, where we indulged in some shopping for our little one, Kai. We picked up diapers, clothes, and other necessities, making sure that our baby boy was well-equipped for his journey into the world.
 |
| We headed to Maxvalu next to buy some ingredients |
By mid-afternoon, our tummies were rumbling, a clear reminder that it was time to plan our meals. We headed to Maxvalu to pick up some fresh vegetables. Choosing the ripest produce and imagining the meals we could make with it was a small joy in itself.
 |
| Kamote Cue for snacks |
 |
| Movie night: The Ballerina and Dreamcatcher |
We finally returned home around 3 PM, feeling accomplished and ready to unwind. The rest of the day was spent enjoying quality family time. We watched two movies: first, the intense 2023 Korean revenge thriller The Ballerina, which kept us on the edge of our seats, followed by the 2003 horror/sci-fi classic Dreamcatcher, which delivered just the right mix of excitement and suspense.
Day 715: October 17, 2023
Tuesday – Shosanbetsu
 |
| On the bus going to Shosanbetsu |
 |
| Shosanbetsu Junior High School |
 |
| The 62nd Rumoi Subprefecture English Recitation Contest |
It was a rainy Tuesday, perfect for a day spent indoors judging the 62nd Rumoi Region Chutairen English Recitation Contest at Shosanbetsu Junior High School. I wasn’t there as an ALT today but as one of the judges. I used my 2-day Skip Moekko Free Ticket for the trip, which made the journey smooth and stress-free.
 |
| The contestants from all around Rumoi Subprefecture are waiting for their turn |
Watching the students perform was inspiring. Each one poured their heart into their recitations, and it was clear how much effort and practice they had put in. Listening to their interpretations, expressions, and pronunciation reminded me of the importance of dedication and confidence in learning a language.
 |
| Sasaki-sensei is giving a speech for the closing ceremony |
By the end of the contest, both contestants from Rumoi Junior High School and Tomamae Junior High School were tied for first place, a well-deserved outcome that reflected the hard work of all participants. I left feeling impressed and encouraged by their passion and determination.
Day 716: October 18, 2023
Wednesday – Rumoi
 |
| Rumoi High School 10.18.23 |
After several days of rain, the sun finally broke through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the land and lifting everyone’s spirits. It felt like the perfect day to return to Rumoi High School for my school visit. The bright weather made the walk to the school refreshing, and I felt ready to engage with the students and see what the day would bring.
Here’s my workload for today:
 |
| Class with Matsuda-sensei |
3rd period – Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet @ 1-56 of Matsuda-sensei
4th period - Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet @ 1-34 of Matsuda-sensei
Day 717: October 19, 2023
Thursday – Embetsu
 |
| Embetsu Agricultural High School 10.19.23 |
It’s a rainy Thursday. Today, I’m visiting Embetsu Agricultural High School. It’s my 17th visit for the School Year 2023 – 2024. For this trip, I used my 2-day Skip Moekko Free Ticket.
Here’s my workload for today:
 |
| Class with Sasaki-sensei |
4th period – Speaking Test @ 2nd year of Sasaki-sensei
 |
| Dinner for tonight: "Conchiglie Rigate soup" |
When I got home, my wife prepared a new version of our all-time favorite macaroni soup. However, instead of using macaroni, she used a Conchiglie Rigate, which was a great upgrade on the dish. Come to think of it, we’d call this one the Conchiglie Rigate soup instead.
Day 718: October 20, 2023
Friday – Tomamae x Rishirifuji
 |
| ...that's because I needed to use the toilet. |
 |
| Tomamae Commercial High School 10.20.23 |
It’s a rainy day. Instead of using the bus, I drove to Tomamae Commercial High School today as my JTE, Matsuhita-sensei, and fellow ALT-John have a planned trip after work.
Speaking of work, here’s my workload today:
2nd period – Speaking Games @ 3rd year of Matsushita-sensei
 |
| Matsushita-sensei drove us to Wakkanai City |
 |
| Heartland Ferry Wakkanai Port |
After work, we drove to Heartland Ferry Wakkanai Port in Wakkanai City using Matshishita-sensei’s car. As for Ruru, I left my car at Sensei's place.
 |
| Ferry information |
 |
| It's boarding time! |
 |
| It's another Tomamae Gang adventure. We miss you, Mike (the former Tomamae ALT)! |
From there, we rode the ferry to Oshidomari Port Terminal in the town of Rishirifuji. The one-way ticket costs 2660 yen. It was a 2-hour ferry ride, and despite the rain and winds, the sea was surprisingly calm.
 |
| Oshidomari Port Terminal |
After disembarking from the ferry, we visited and saw these places on Rishirifuji:
 |
| Oshidomari Port Green Park Anchor Square |
⛴ Oshidomari Port Green Park Anchor Square
 |
| Cape Peshi |
⛴ Cape Peshi
 |
| This is the starting point of the Rishiri Fantastic Road from the ferry terminal |
 |
| Rishiri Fantastic Road |
⛴ Rishiri Fantastic Road
 |
| Myokaiji |
⛴ Myokaiji
 |
| Rishirizan Shrine's main torii gate |
 |
| Rishirizan Shrine |
⛴ Rishirizan Shrine
 |
| Shukei Pond |
⛴ Shukei Pond
 |
| We rented this cottage at the Rishiri Island Campsite ”Yuni” |
 |
| Waraukado |
 |
| The restaurant was operated by one man. Amazing! |
 |
| I ordered mapo tofu and ankake ramen |
We checked in at the Rishiri Island Campsite ”Yuni”. Matsushita-sensei reserved a cabin for us beforehand, so it was very convenient for us. After dropping bags, we walked back to the town center and ate dinner at Waraukado. I really liked the mapo tofu and ankake ramen that I ordered.
 |
| Seicomart Rishirifuji |
 |
| Rishirifuji Hot Spring |
After dinner, we stopped by Seicomart Rishirifuji to buy some food for tomorrow’s breakfast. It was nice to see a mix of familiar items and local products, and we grabbed a few things that would be easy to prepare in the morning. From there, we went straight to Rishirifuji Hot Spring. Taking a dip in the onsen felt really relaxing, especially after a long day. The warm water washed away the tiredness, and it was a peaceful way to end the night.
 |
| Back to Rishiri Island Campsite ”Yuni” to call it a night |
 |
| We wrapped up the day with one game of The Mind |
When we returned to our accommodation, we settled in and decided to play one round of the card game The Mind. It was a fun way to unwind together, testing how well we could read each other’s timing without saying a word. After a good laugh and a bit of quiet concentration, we wrapped up the game and called it a day, ready to rest for tomorrow’s plans.
Overall, this week has been a good mix of work and leisure. I was a judge for the speech contest held at Shosanbetsu Junior High School. I was also able to visit Rumoi High School, Embetsu Agricultural High School, and Tomamae Commercial High School. Tomorrow, we will hike one of Japan’s most beautiful mountains – Mt. Rishiri.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 103
Japan Diaries 4: Day 718
Moekko Free Ticket 15th Season
Obira Roadside Station
Obira Roadside Station Revisited 2023
Rishirizan Shrine
Shukei Pond
Rishiri Island Campsite ”Yuni”
Rishirifuji Hot Spring
Hokkaido Manhole Covers
Japan's Awesome Manhole Covers
A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps
10 Things to Do in Obira
10 Things to Do in Wakkanai City
10 More Things to Do in Wakkanai City
10 Things to Do in Rishirifuji
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
Previous:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 102
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 102
Next:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 104
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 104
Comments
Post a Comment