December 1

Looks like I got my car winterized (snow tires and heavy duty wipers) just in time on Tuesday. I woke up on Wednesday to a couple inches of heavy, wet snow on the ground and swirling winds blowing the snow in every direction. The road to Onikoube is precarious on fine days, so I was relieved to have the extra traction and 4WD as I plowed through the icy slush. The snow fell throughout the day, but never amounted to any accumulation.

Wednesday was my first visit to an elementary school. Was very nervous, even though I only had to give a self-introduction. Luckily, the vice principal and a couple other teachers were there to help me along. The first and second graders were by far the best, though I dont think I could keep up with them everyday. At break time, we went outside for a snowball fight on the playground. I was naively keen on it for about 30 seconds until I realized that 30 kids had eyes only for me as a target. Easy to spot and easy to hit, I cant really blame them. Fought and ran as long as I could (maybe 10 minutes), but after about 2 dozens wet hard ones to the head and face, as well as numb fingers (no gloves), I finally had to give. Not before, however, one cute, 2nd-grade girl in an orange parka took pity and started making snowballs for me.

As for my introduction, I talked about myself, my family and western North Carolina, showed some pictures, even introduced them to Doc Watson (Blue Ridge Mountain Blues" of course), but they were mostly uninterested. One Special Ed. kid did help me pick the air banjo for a couple of measures...



Had another elementary school visit today, which was great. Nice to get out of the junior high school environment for a change, especially as its testing week and the students have been a little less than remotely interested in English lessons. The elementary school I went to today had just 28 students and 11 faculty! The third and fourth grade students were well prepared and showed me around the school, even speaking a little English ("Dis is da lai-buru-eri....)

The Japanese have this habit (not sure if its good or bad) of telling foreigners they are good at something when they really don't mean it (speaking Japanese, using chopsticks, singing karaoke, etc.). They have no other option than to be polite. At first its was great, and very motivating to keep trying. Then I got tired of it, and just wanted them to tell the truth (I know how bad a singer I am). But every once in awhile, I try something new and they don't say anything and suddenly I feel offended. Lie to me! Lie to me! We both know I am very poor, but lets pretend its not true. Today, I tried my hand (literally) at "shuji" (Japanese calligraphy) for the first time with the 6th graders. Some parents had also come to observe the class, and one father (whom I know) actually laughed at my efforts, right in my face. Even pointed out how bad it was to some other parents. The nerve! He later tried to make up for it by telling me I was really great, but the sting was still there. Indeed, my attempts were awful, but I sure like more when they tell me how fantastic I am!