Germany

Earlier on in December, I had the pleasure and privilege of going to Germany and meeting up with a group on a school trip from Japan.

I can't quite resist to mention it, especially as this blog started with me writing about idiosyncrasies and observational comments of life in Japan.

[Heidelberg]

It was great because the group of 2 nen sei (16-17 year olds) I had taught for a few months before I left the country. I knew all the 5 teachers, including a JTE who looked after me and requested a seat next to me in the school staff room, and the kind Kyoto Sensei (vice principal) who had turned a blind eye to my nennkyu (annual leave!).

Things that took me by surprise:

- Teachers slurping their soup in the German restaurant

Things I'd forgotten:

- The ever present sharing and giving of omiyage (eg. sweets on the coach being shared out among many)

Things I enjoyed:
- The students' sense of humour, energy and enthusiasm

People have asked me why the trip from Rifu went to Germany, and not an English speaking country. I think I realised some pointers when I was over there:

• Christmas Markets - a bit like Japanese matsuri, with lights, festival food (in this case Bratwurst and Lebkuchen), and sociable atmosphere in day time and at night


• German efficiency - things run smoothly and on time, such as transport and any kind of arrangements (this would never happen in England!)


• The Vice Principal mentioned in a speech to a German university they were visiting, that Germany has the best sports programmes in the world. This may be debatable, but the idea of excellence is there.

It was interesting being a (when i was with the group- about 50% of my time) participant in a Japanese tour group. Everything is done for you with fuss and perfection, so you don't have to worry about anything or speak the language. Only to turn up at the meeting point ten minutes before schedule, so you all set off in good time, with no stragglers running late! I was reminded of my venture with Teikyo University to Europe in Summer 2004, and all those group photographs!