Week 125: March 18 – 22, 2024
Day 868: March 18, 2024
Monday – Rumoi
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| Cold, beautiful morning here in Rumoi City |
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| Rumoi High School 3.18.24 |
It’s a cold morning here in Rumoi City. Surprisingly, it snowed hard again last night, covering the cars with a few inches of snow. Regardless, the weather forecast predicts that the temperature for the next day will never go below negative degrees. For today’s school visit, I’m back at Rumoi High School.
Here’s my workload for today:
3rd period – Comparison (If) @ 1-34 of Matsuda-sensei
4th period – Who, Whom, Which, That @ 1-34 of Matsuda-sensei
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| Class with Matsuda-sensei |
During lunchtime, I brought our car, Ruru, to the Suzuki dealership in Motokawa-cho to have it checked as it was very shaky and veered left during our drive last weekend. The staff told me that they would call me within the day to inform me of the problem and provide a quotation for the repairs, if needed.
5th period – Participles @ 1-56 of Matsuda-sensei
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| We practiced the welcome speech for the incoming 1st year students |
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| After that, we played Scrabble |
After classes, we had the Rumoi English Club. We practiced the speeches of the club members for the welcome ceremony of the 1st year. We also played Scrabble.
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| All four tires of Ruru had cracks like this. |
After work, the dealership contacted me to explain the issue with Ruru. It turned out that the tires were badly worn due to age and deterioration, with the front left tire suffering the most damage. They warned me that if I had driven it any farther, there was a high risk of the tire bursting, which could have led to serious damage or even an accident. The dealership provided a quotation of ¥67,000, covering four new tires, installation, disposal of the old tires, wheel alignment, labor, and a full check-up.
That evening, before calling it a day, my wife and I talked it over. Despite the unexpected expense, she was grateful that we had Ruru inspected and repaired early, addressing the tire issue before it could turn into a much bigger problem in the future.
Day 869: March 19, 2024
Tuesday – Rumoi
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| Rumoi High School 3.19.24 |
It’s snowing again! Just when we were starting to feel those “spring vibes,” the city was once more blanketed in white. For today’s school visit, I was back at Rumoi High School for my usual Tuesday schedule.
Interestingly, I wasn’t invited to any classes, so I used the time to study Japanese with the Evergreen English Grammar book.
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| Suzuki dealership in Motokawa-cho |
After work, I walked to the Suzuki dealership to settle the bill for Ruru’s repairs, paying ¥67,000. I’m relieved knowing that Ruru is now in tip-top shape, and I can drive long distances again without any worries.
Day 870: March 20, 2024
Wednesday – Vernal Equinox Day x Asahikawa City
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| It's Vernal Equinox Day. Perfect for a road trip adventure. |
Today is Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi), which is a recognized holiday in Japan. Formerly known as Shun-ki Kōreisai (春季皇霊祭), it was established in 1878 (Meiji 11) as a day of reverence for past emperors and members of the imperial family. However, following the war, it transformed into a non-religious holiday.
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| Off to Asahikawa City |
Taking advantage of the picturesque weather and Ruru's freshly acquired tires, my family and I seized the chance for a spontaneous road trip. Opting for familiarity, we chose the well-known destination of Asahikawa City (旭川市), not too distant from our starting point in Rumoi City.
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| 2nd Street Hanasaki Branch |
Setting off around 10 AM, our first destination was the 2nd Street Hanasaki Branch, where we scoured for baby essentials for Kai.
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| Mega Don Quixote |
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| We got to buy Filipino products at the World Eats corner |
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| Donpen, Don Quixote's cute penguin mascot |
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| Grocery shopping at Mega Don Quixote |
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| Inside Asahikawa's Mega Don Quixote |
Continuing our journey, we made our way to the nearby Mega Don Quixote, where our spirits soared upon discovering Filipino food products in the grocery section—a delightful taste of home that we eagerly stocked up on.
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| AEON Mall West Store |
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| Lunch at KFC in the mall's food court |
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| We also bought fries at McDonald's. Carbo loading indeed! |
Hungry from our explorations, we headed to AEON Asahikawa West Store for lunch, unable to resist the allure of fast food upon spotting KFC and McDonald’s at the food court. Succumbing to temptation, we indulged in 6 pieces of original KFC chicken and 3 large fries, acknowledging the indulgence with a shared grin.
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| I had a haircut at Quick Cut BB |
Post-meal, I treated myself to a haircut at Quick Cut BB on the mall's 3rd floor.
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| Before leaving, we bought our favorite Frappuccino drinks at Starbucks |
Before bidding farewell to AEON Asahikawa West Store, we treated ourselves to our favorite Frappuccino drinks at Starbucks.
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| Our next stop: Takasago Onsen |
Eager to balance our indulgences with wellness, we concluded our day with a visit to Takasago Onsen, nestled in the Takosagodai area of Asahikawa City, for a soothing dip in its hot springs.
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| Onsen time |
Despite the initial crowd, the expansive onsen area provided ample space for relaxation. I favored the outdoor bath and sauna. By nearly 8 PM, our rejuvenating experience drew to a close.
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| We had a relaxing time. Takasago Onsen is definitely one of the best in the region. |
Empowered by Ruru's new tires, I confidently navigated our journey back to Rumoi City, arriving home around 9 PM. With the responsibilities of the upcoming workday in mind, we swiftly prepared for bed, bringing the day to a close.
In reflection, today was a fulfilling adventure, heightened by the promise of spring brought forth by the Vernal Equinox holiday. As winter's grip loosens, we eagerly anticipate more road trips, hopeful to accomplish our #Hokkaido179 aspirations this year.
Day 871: March 21, 2024
Thursday – Embetsu
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| Embetsu Agricultural High School 3.21.24 |
It’s a cloudy day, but thankfully, the weather forecast says it will not snow. Today, I am heading to Embetsu Agricultural High School for my 25th visit in School Year 2023–2024. This is also my last school visit for the month. On a more personal note, it will be my final time working with Sasaki-sensei, as she will be transferring to a school in Muroran City. For this trip, I used my 1-day Moekko Free Ticket.
Here’s my workload for today:
2nd period – Comparative Sentences @ 2nd year of Sasaki-sensei
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| Farewell Sasaki-sensei. Thanks for being an amazing JTE. |
Before leaving, Kyoto-sensei talked to me and informed me that he would be retiring this year. He thanked me and asked me about my plans. After bidding each other farewell, I got to talk to Sasaki-sensei to wish her good luck on her transfer to Muroran. Overall, today was a bittersweet moment. I pray that my new Embetsu Agricultural High School JTE will be as good or better than Sasaki-sensei.
Day 872: March 22, 2024
Friday – Rumoi
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| Rumoi High School 3.22.24 |
According to the weather forecast, it will be partly cloudy in the morning and turn sunny by noon. Since I did not have any out-of-town school visits today, I reported back to Rumoi High School. It was a special day, as it marked the last day of School Year 2023–2024.
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| It's a beautiful day outside today |
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| Today is room-cleaning day |
There was no collaboration work today because there were no classes, but the students still came to school to help their advisers clean and clear their classrooms.
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| The teachers who are leaving this year gave short farewell messages in the faculty room |
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| Then they formally bid everyone goodbye in the gym |
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| This year, one of my JTEs would be leaving... |
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| Goodbye and thank you, Hidaka-sensei! See you again in the future! |
For the teachers, those who were transferring or retiring were given a few moments to say their farewells during the morning meeting. This was followed by a closing and farewell ceremony held in the gym.
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| Look who's waiting for me to get home. |
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| After resting for a bit, I headed out and walked to Tsukasa Annex "Rin" |
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| ...to attend the soubetsukai (送別会) or farewell dinner |
After work, I attended the soubetsukai (送別会), or farewell dinner, at Tsukasa Annex "Rin" (美食酒家 司). The food was excellent, and it was a meaningful chance to say goodbye to the teachers who were leaving, especially my former JTE, Hidaka-sensei, and my friend, Itaya-sensei.
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| Kampai! |
Here's what we ate during our soubetsukai:
Overall, it was an amazing school year. Although I was not able to get to know some of those who are transferring very well, they were still part of my JET journey in one way or another, and I am grateful to them. I am looking forward to seeing how my fourth year as an ALT will unfold.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 125
Japan Diaries 4: Day 870
Takasago Onsen
Moekko Free Ticket 15th Season
10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City
10 More Things to Do in Asahikawa City
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 124
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Japan Diaries 4: Week 126
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 126
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