7月29日 (木) 1:00pm JST
I’m writing this at the office on my first day of what the Japanese call “work.” Last night, I stayed over at the apartment of I____-sensei, a 37-year old, single teacher, here at F* high school. We spoke in Japanese almost exclusively and found that we have many things in common. He too likes Apple, Buffalo Daughter, Stereolab, and Haruki Murakami. He is definitely the coolest teacher I’ve met in a while.
Reading through the papers of my predecessor, I wondered about a paradox at the heart of JET— to speak well, one must talk lots and forget correctness, but to write well, one must write only what can be done correctly. This contradiction makes the role of the JET especially hard.
7月30日 (木\金) 1:45am JST
Today was my first whole day at the office, and now it’s my first night in the apartment.
Being lead around by the predecessor of my co-worker, I got the impression that JETs just hung out and drank, all while blissfully unaware of the Japanese around them. Now though, I suspect this may only be the lifestyle of her and her JET friends. I, of course, wowed the Japanese with my “skill” (“上手ですね！”), but it was fun at least.
We were introduced to all the classrooms today, and I got to write “Buffalo Daughter” on the board as part of it— not bad.
I was cool to T---, my coworker at first, but I think we’re warming up to each other. My predecessor is however a disgusting slob, and all of his things are covered in filth. The bed spreads cause itching. Tomorrow, I must shop for more than just alcohol…
Comment:
« Diary, July 31 & August 2 | Insular Empire | Diary, July 27 & 28 »