I had a chance to visit one elementary school in Kyoto University's neighborhood the other day under the invitation of an organization promoting international understanding here. The class I went in for was the 5th grade (10-11 years old kids). They have a class about the world and other countries on regular basis. That day was a special event when they invite a number of foreigners living in Kyoto to go in and talk about their own countries. I was one among other 9 countries' representatives. Some are those who reside and work here in Kyoto. Some are the parents of the kids in school Some are foreign students like me.
There were 6 students under my responsibility that day. I was very surprised to see how eager they were to listen to my talking. I really didn't see myself as a teacher, but truly felt as if I was playing and having fun with the kids. It was really, really casual. We chatted together, we teased each other, we played some games together... It was indeed a great moment. All the kids called me "「先生」(teacher)". It was a bit weird to hear, but definitely was a good feeling. Now that I started visitting one, I want to visit more local schools!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Unexpected Tofukuji Trip (11/28/05)
This trip was totally an unplanned one. Uncle Ump, my mom's friend, came to Japan on his work and all of the sudden, we decided to meet up for lunch. Jill and I went over to see him at his hotel near Kyoto Station. So after our late lunch, we took a short trip to Tofukuji. My first time to this temple was around this time of the year in 2001. Of course, I came over for Koyo (red leafs) sightseeing from Nagoya (which was where I stayed at that time.) Sooooooo much crowd at that time. I never thought I would be coming back here during this season again. But hey.. I did!
Tofukuji is one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto. It was buit in the 13th century with the aim to be comparable to Todaiji and Kofukuji, the great temple complexes in Nara. No wonder this temple is with this name; To + fuku + ji. And it is a HUGE complex! It is especially famous for beautiful koyo. I think so too. When you look through the temple -- it was just totally reddish, both on the trees and on the ground! Even the leaf's quality is not that good this year, the overall look is still marvelous.
First scene when you enter the temple ground
Another view from the bridge
I somehow like this picture a lot
Tofukuji is one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto. It was buit in the 13th century with the aim to be comparable to Todaiji and Kofukuji, the great temple complexes in Nara. No wonder this temple is with this name; To + fuku + ji. And it is a HUGE complex! It is especially famous for beautiful koyo. I think so too. When you look through the temple -- it was just totally reddish, both on the trees and on the ground! Even the leaf's quality is not that good this year, the overall look is still marvelous.
First scene when you enter the temple ground
A view from Tsuten-kyo Bridge
Another view from the bridge
Bunch of leafs
with uninvited white-shirt guest -_-')
I somehow like this picture a lot
Jill and Uncle Ump
on our way back to the station
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)