4 months- and counting

Yesterday I received something in the post, that I would have gladly received this time last year- if not earlier. It was a flier from a community centre near school, with info of courses on offer throughout the year.

Before I came to Japan, I kind of pictured myself in a remote place in the countryside. I remember saying in my JET interview, that if I didn't enjoy school or find it fulfilling, then I'd try to get more involved in the community. For example join some community classes or something and make friends there. But my idea of learning some skill in a Japanese hobby hasn't quite been realised.

Maybe this could soon change. Or not really. All the things I'd like to do [pottery, painting] occur during the day, as the housewives don't work (i.e. when I'm at school). Um, but I could join a 10 week yukata and kimono wearing class. I might just do this. But might find it as difficult to conquer as taiko - who knows!

I feel that when I come back to England, I won't be able to show anyone anything Japanesey that I've learned/ experienced here. I may have joined the tea ceremony club at school on several occasions; visited the ikebana - flower arranging club once; made several things out of origami that I can't remember; learnt and forgotten several taiko rhythms; made some glass beads; painted a kokeshi doll; woven a vase out of bamboo from Miyagi and a few other things. But these are mostly one offs, and don't have much depth too them. And hmm. Sorry, this is a bit negative, but I'm realising writing this, that I have done more than I think. Yet hmm, maybe I could have done more- well, would have liked to have done more.

For example, I still can't sew; or knit; or paint (I've had some promising conversations with the school art teacher tho- if my schedule permits, I might join some first year art /drawing classes soon!). Anyway, my successor will at least have more info than I had about what's on offer in the area! And I can always take up things back home- in a language I understand; without being self-conscious of being the odd one out, the foreigner about town.

Over and out for now...