San Francisco Welcome
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Ah, the Glories of Traveling
Day 1-
Travel Day- It started at 4:45 AM when my great friend Kurt picked me up to take me to the airport. He was actually the airport shuttle for his brother and sister-in-law, I was just a stowaway. I made a deal I would tag along for the 6 AM drop off (1.5 hr before my flight) then take him to breakfast. All were happy!
I was excited because I had a direct flight to San Francisco!
I was duped. First a young couple sat in the row behind me with an infant. I cringed. Then to my left another couple joined us with a 2 year old. A bigger cringe! But I thought it would be the infant that would cry over the pressure in her ears, but no she slept through the whole trip then quietly played as we landed. The one to my left- another story. He was all smiles and said hello to anyone that would look his way. Then about half through my uncomfortable sleep- it started-a wailing that shook me from my stupor and it did not stop.
Airplanes do not afford much space, but when I awoke from my second attempt for a nap- there was a butt pushed up in my face as the owner of this butt waited in line for the restroom. I guess I should just be grateful that there was not an odor that was associated with it.
Well, my 9:45 bus to the airport is calling. Next post from Japan!!!
Travel Day- It started at 4:45 AM when my great friend Kurt picked me up to take me to the airport. He was actually the airport shuttle for his brother and sister-in-law, I was just a stowaway. I made a deal I would tag along for the 6 AM drop off (1.5 hr before my flight) then take him to breakfast. All were happy!
I was excited because I had a direct flight to San Francisco!
I was duped. First a young couple sat in the row behind me with an infant. I cringed. Then to my left another couple joined us with a 2 year old. A bigger cringe! But I thought it would be the infant that would cry over the pressure in her ears, but no she slept through the whole trip then quietly played as we landed. The one to my left- another story. He was all smiles and said hello to anyone that would look his way. Then about half through my uncomfortable sleep- it started-a wailing that shook me from my stupor and it did not stop.
Airplanes do not afford much space, but when I awoke from my second attempt for a nap- there was a butt pushed up in my face as the owner of this butt waited in line for the restroom. I guess I should just be grateful that there was not an odor that was associated with it.
Well, my 9:45 bus to the airport is calling. Next post from Japan!!!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
What's my plan?
When I applied for the trip, I had to create a plan or as they refer to it as a "Follow-On Plan". The "Follow-On Plan" is to guide my experience in Japan and then, what and how I plan to share with my students, school, and community when I return.
My reason for wanting to go on this cultural exchange was to:
1- Bridge the Lanier Community- Lanier High School's neighborhood has been in the process of transforming from an Asian community with Korean BBQ restaurants, Asian stores, Chinese restaurants, nail shops, sushi bars, and acupuncturtists to Mexican taco shops, mercados, and dollar discount stores. I hope to involve the Asian business owners and alumni in activities at our school like the Career Fair and our advisory program to build a better understanding between the two cultures.
2- Study Manga and Anime- This fall I started a "Munching on Manga" book club (don't tell the kids that is what it is). My idea was to meet once a month, but they vetoed me and we are now meeting twice a month. They bring their lunch to the library, we talk about our favorite manga, eat cookies, and then watch a little Anime. There will be speakers such as: our assistant principal is going to speak to them about the Japanese language, one of our Geography teachers will talk about some of the interesting aspects of living in Japan, and I am looking into asking one of the local comic book or Anime shop owners to come and speak to them.
I am excited about the possibilities.
My reason for wanting to go on this cultural exchange was to:
1- Bridge the Lanier Community- Lanier High School's neighborhood has been in the process of transforming from an Asian community with Korean BBQ restaurants, Asian stores, Chinese restaurants, nail shops, sushi bars, and acupuncturtists to Mexican taco shops, mercados, and dollar discount stores. I hope to involve the Asian business owners and alumni in activities at our school like the Career Fair and our advisory program to build a better understanding between the two cultures.
2- Study Manga and Anime- This fall I started a "Munching on Manga" book club (don't tell the kids that is what it is). My idea was to meet once a month, but they vetoed me and we are now meeting twice a month. They bring their lunch to the library, we talk about our favorite manga, eat cookies, and then watch a little Anime. There will be speakers such as: our assistant principal is going to speak to them about the Japanese language, one of our Geography teachers will talk about some of the interesting aspects of living in Japan, and I am looking into asking one of the local comic book or Anime shop owners to come and speak to them.
I am excited about the possibilities.
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