I RUV YOU!

Sup guys!
I haven’t heard from most of you in a long time. I know I shouldn’t be one to talk – just checked my email for the first time in a week and a half yesterday – but reading an email from an old Uncommon Grounds pal made me realize just how much I miss VT cynicism, hahaha. Humor really is different here (those of you who’ve seen Most Extreme Elimination Challenge know this) and while Aussie sarcasm comes close, it just isn’t the same.

I should say, though, that while Japanese humor is culturally different as a whole, some things are universal. My students sometimes amaze me with their surprising bursts of wit. For example, last week I had just begun my last class of the day. It was a drizzly afternoon and no one was in a good mood. I can’t speak for all of Japan, but at least at my schools every class begins with a greeting. The students stand up and say hello (in English) and I respond with a “Hello. How are you?” Now, the students are supposed to answer and return the question (90% of the time I get a monotonous chorus of “I’m fine and you?”), but this time all I got were a few incoherent mumbles.

I tried again, “How are you?” Still, I heard more coughs than answers.

My JT jumped in and scolded the class – in Japanese – for their lack of participation. She finished by saying that communication is important, that’s why we have ALT’s, and to please make an effort.

“Ok,” she said, “Now please communicate!”

Silence.

…*cough*….*sniff*…

My JT was just about to launch into another lecture when, suddenly,

“KEYRUSTEN I RUV YOUUUUUU!!” came from the back of the room.

I couldn’t help it, I laughed so hard I cried. The class erupted in giggles and my JT – try as she might – couldn’t keep a straight face. She attempted to scold the student, but he countered with, “What?! You said ‘communicate’! I communicate!!”

After that, the class went much smoother. While I’ve silently cursed this one student in the past for being disruptive, it’s moments like that which make our jobs as ALT’s fun.

Nothing else terribly exciting has happened, really. I did get to see a Kabuki play, which was nice. Their costumes are amazing and even if I didn’t understand a word of their singing, it was a good experience. Don’t think I’ll go again anytime soon, though. For 6,000 Yen (about $60), I got a seat that was so far off to the side I could only see stage left.

Guess that does it for now. Hope you are all are enjoying the holiday season...and have the bees returned yet?? Let me know,

KB