The group was a good mix: they were each mesmerized by different aspects of Japanese culture and lifestyle, which in turn fascinated me. They were always asking questions, taking pictures, or searching for Japanese fashion, art, history, food, and more. However, I don't think we had any takers for J-pop. Too bad.
They also had a lot of energy. Add that to the Japanese pace, and you get really tired legs and hungry bellies. So we always topped off each day with delicious dining. I added just about every variety of tofu possible, soy ramen, hiroshimayaki, cheese okonomiyaki, and some other unknowns to my list of accomplishments. Some other random bragging points: We fit 13 people into a tiny purikura booth, I scratched Buddha's feet, and I got a Japanese haircut (not necessarily a Japanese haircut, but a Japanese haircut).
Their visit has left me extremely exhausted and all I want to do is sleep for the next week. However, I know in the back of my mind that after that week, I want to do a lot more exploring and interacting. It was so good touring Japan with the Kiritan students. They didn't necessarily serve as expert tour guides (as some of them have never left Osaka), but they added some authenticity to the experience. They can help explain or commentate or even make fun of what I'm seeing. And it added something to our relationship. After the RWC students left yesterday, my students were treating me differently. They were texting me, planning sleepovers, chatting about which boys they liked, etc. Being with them outside of the classroom seems to have given them a different perspective...they aren't nearly as intimidated or shy around me.
The sudden increase in my exposure and appreciation of unknown cities, shops, and people along with my increased intimacy with my students is making my countdown less exciting. Of course I can't wait to come home and see everyone, but every day closer to seeing you all brings me a day closer to saying goodbye to all of this.
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