I have got the "Travelmate"- handheld- translator/money convertor/clock, Webster's New World Compact Japanese Dictionary, brand new slippers, the suits are dry cleaned, an assortment of Texas related gifts, but still awaiting final itinerary and plane tickets.
The excitement is building!
The next blog entry should include-
Photos for my host family in Japan.
Official itinerary
and more about the plans for the 1 FREE day!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
"30 days has September...
April, June, November," and the days remaining before I leave for Japan!
The chatter has started in my email from other JFMF(ers) (Don't worry, I am being polite.) Ideas about what gift to bring to our host families, where to go on our single day of exploring, whether we should bring a jacket or coat, when do we get our airline tickets, have you started your "plan-on" (our project that we are to bring back from this experience); with each new email the excitement level amps up just a bit.
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Tuesday, September 11, 2007
More about Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
Himeji literally means "Princess Lane." Now only if I was a princess. Hyogo is the prefecture (state in Japan).
The castle was built in 1580. Himeji Castle consists of a five-story Tenshukaku (main tower, seven stories inside) and three Kotenshi (smaller towers). In all its years, the castle has never been at war and is one of the few castles not to be damaged in WWII. Today it is a symbol of peace.
Just think, soon, there will be pictures on here with me front and center of these incredible places.
Until then...
Himeji is best known for its castle.
The castle was built in 1580. Himeji Castle consists of a five-story Tenshukaku (main tower, seven stories inside) and three Kotenshi (smaller towers). In all its years, the castle has never been at war and is one of the few castles not to be damaged in WWII. Today it is a symbol of peace."The castle's nickname is "White Heron Castle" because it is reminiscent of the white heron in flight, with its white walls seen through the pine trees looking like herons perched in the trees." Himeji travel guide
Things to do while in Himeji, Hyogo, Japan:
Castle of course and don't forget its 9 gardens.
Engyo Temple on Mt. Shosha
Himeji City Museum of Art
Nagoyama Cemetery
Himeji Central Park, amusement slash zoo park with its drive through safari, walking safari, and petting area. I wonder what a "forest roller coaster" is? It doesn't matter, its a must do, I love roller coasters.
Now, do you think they were thinking about the librarian, because Himeji is the home to the Literature Museum.
Just think, soon, there will be pictures on here with me front and center of these incredible places.
Until then...
The Itinerary So Far...
We will start in San Francisco-October 14 (Sun) for an orientation
Depart for Japan- October 15 (Mon)
Arrive in Tokyo-October 16 (Tue) (man, we lose a whole day!)
Tokyo- Program lectures, seminars, traditional art performances (Kabuki and Kyogen)- October 17 (Wed) - 19 (Fri)
Independent Activities-Explore Japan- (my only day on my own, any ideas?)- October 20 (Sat)
Host City (Himeji) Program school visits, homestay, cultural experience- October 21 (Sun) – 29 (Mon) (the 21st is the start of the Lantern Festival, I am so excited!)
Back to Tokyo forProject Resources sessions- October 30 (Tue)- 31 (Wed)
Departure from Tokyo / Return to Austin- November 1 (Thur)
Depart for Japan- October 15 (Mon)
Arrive in Tokyo-October 16 (Tue) (man, we lose a whole day!)
Tokyo- Program lectures, seminars, traditional art performances (Kabuki and Kyogen)- October 17 (Wed) - 19 (Fri)
Independent Activities-Explore Japan- (my only day on my own, any ideas?)- October 20 (Sat)
Host City (Himeji) Program school visits, homestay, cultural experience- October 21 (Sun) – 29 (Mon) (the 21st is the start of the Lantern Festival, I am so excited!)
Back to Tokyo forProject Resources sessions- October 30 (Tue)- 31 (Wed)
Departure from Tokyo / Return to Austin- November 1 (Thur)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
More Preparation
The things a teacher will submit themselves to, to become better teachers!
I was visiting San Diego and I realized that the Comic-Con International was taking place. (No wonder I couldn't get a decent flight!)
It dawned on me- International, hmmm??? Would they have manga books for sell? Would they have workshops and panels discussing the art and publishing of manga? Would they really have attendees dressed up as manga characters? You betcha!
Check out their MISSION STATEMENT:
"Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. "
A little wheeling and dealing on Craigslist and I had an illegal ticket to the highly publicized, approximately 130,000 attendee sold-out conference. (Don't worry, I didn't get too taken. I only paid $10 over the cost.)
I don't even know where to begin describing this gathering of comic enthusiasts and you might even say fanatics. Here are a few highlights and lowlights:
Highlights-
I was visiting San Diego and I realized that the Comic-Con International was taking place. (No wonder I couldn't get a decent flight!)
It dawned on me- International, hmmm??? Would they have manga books for sell? Would they have workshops and panels discussing the art and publishing of manga? Would they really have attendees dressed up as manga characters? You betcha!
Check out their MISSION STATEMENT:
"Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. "
A little wheeling and dealing on Craigslist and I had an illegal ticket to the highly publicized, approximately 130,000 attendee sold-out conference. (Don't worry, I didn't get too taken. I only paid $10 over the cost.)
I don't even know where to begin describing this gathering of comic enthusiasts and you might even say fanatics. Here are a few highlights and lowlights:
Highlights-
- I listended to a panel of editors and publishers from a Tokyo publisher of manga books. They booktalked this Fall's releases. I learned so much just listening to the editor discuss each of the books. I learned that there are two basic styles of manga and that they come in different genres just like novels. I had always characterized manga as books just for boys. Books about ninjas, superheros, fighting, and sci-fi/fantasy type plots. (The mere fact that I combine sci-fi and fantasy into the same genre tells you that I don't read them.) But there are two styles and they come in as many genres as any other type of literature.
2. Tokyopop booth was giving away free manga books!
3. I ran into one of my former Roosevelt Middle School "goth" students!
4. Great giveaways- posters, bookmarks, game pieces, buttons, and bags! (A teacher's dream)
5. The costumed attendees were not only entertaining, but educational!
Lowlights:
- 1. It was so00 crowded! I wish I had taken the opportunity to look at the bright side, that I was really acclimating myself to the upcoming sardine-packed subways of Tokyo. It is just that I don't like to be touched on all sides at the same time and pushed and shoved while I comtemplate the possibility of a fire or earthquake.
- I missed the Shonen magazine booth where they always give you a couple editons of their magazine Shonen Jump. The Japanese magazine publishes the stories that become the manga books.
- I realized that I had actually joined the ranks of GEEKS to the geeks. You know it is one of those moments when you look around the room and think, "OMG, how did I get here!" I know I am a geek and have been in similar geek type situations, library school to name one, but really what was I doing there? Then I remembered it was all preparation to becoming a better teacher!
Friday, July 6, 2007
Preparing for my visit to Japan!
I have now read two Japanese manga books. Surprisingly, they are not as bad as I thought. Now, I have to start watching the Anime videos. Ugh!
JFMF (Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund) requires that you create a plan to share your learning and the cultural experience when you return. I explained how our students, especially our struggling readers, devour the Japanese manga books, but are missing the cultural clues and information in the book. If you are not familiar with manga books they are "graphic novels" or similar to our comic books. Many of them have some type of super hero that are fighting the dark forces or evils of the world.
I was surprised to read one that was somewhat of a realistic story about a girl and her parents who divorce and marry another couple and they all live in one house. Interesting concept!
Now the Anime videos are from manga books. The only problem is that the videos are making it to the US before the manga books.My "plan" is to be able to apply my cultural experience to the books and the Anime and share this with my students and colleagues.
Here is a list of popular manga books at Lanier's library:
Bebirth
Rave Master
Fullmetal Alchemist
Bleach
Fruits Basket*
Marmalde Boy*
*more for girls
For examples of Anime- do a search in youtube. I still need to do my research in that area, let me know if you find something interesting. My hope is to have an afterschool Anime club next school year after I return from Japan.
I have now read two Japanese manga books. Surprisingly, they are not as bad as I thought. Now, I have to start watching the Anime videos. Ugh!
JFMF (Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund) requires that you create a plan to share your learning and the cultural experience when you return. I explained how our students, especially our struggling readers, devour the Japanese manga books, but are missing the cultural clues and information in the book. If you are not familiar with manga books they are "graphic novels" or similar to our comic books. Many of them have some type of super hero that are fighting the dark forces or evils of the world.
I was surprised to read one that was somewhat of a realistic story about a girl and her parents who divorce and marry another couple and they all live in one house. Interesting concept!
Now the Anime videos are from manga books. The only problem is that the videos are making it to the US before the manga books.My "plan" is to be able to apply my cultural experience to the books and the Anime and share this with my students and colleagues.
Here is a list of popular manga books at Lanier's library:
Bebirth
Rave Master
Fullmetal Alchemist
Bleach
Fruits Basket*
Marmalde Boy*
*more for girls
For examples of Anime- do a search in youtube. I still need to do my research in that area, let me know if you find something interesting. My hope is to have an afterschool Anime club next school year after I return from Japan.
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