Day 14 (M)

Quick note: I usually quote prices in ¥ (or 円) because the conversion is roughly 1/10. i.e. 650¥ is about 6.50. Now, it's not exact, it's more like .94 yen to the dollar, but we don't like to think about that because it makes it more expensive ;p

Hey, results for test!

Myra got an 88, Mia got a 68. Mia is pleased with herself, and I am pleased with her too :)

Ani also had a test that she got results back on — she got a 94 on the Kanji test, but only a 68 on the writing test. Still not bad. Keep in mind these teachers are very tough graders (tick facing the wrong way? = batsu! (X) and no points for the question.)

After class we went to an English class — actually a collection of about 3 classes, about 50+ students. The event was put together by English teacher Beniko Mason (American husband), and she simply had the students divide themselves into 9 groups and each one of us Utahns got to be the spotlight of a group.... Beniko-sensei’s goal is to try to get more students interested and serious about studying English. We talked for a little with the students, they had sample questions they mostly went off, but since we swapped groups twice it was hard to get beyond name introductions and a host of basic questions (what is your hobby, what are/do you think of Japan, where you wish to go in Japan, etc.). 

After that, a couple students (Yuka and Akiko) asked me if I had time to talk with them a little more, their English was fair and it was fun. Yuka does ‘yosakoi’ (?), a traditional dance, and Akiko does kendo (swords), they told us when they practiced and said we could come watch. We tried to find the dance later, but when we didn’t see Yuka anywhere we gave up until later. 

Later, after having eaten almost nothing all day, a group of students led by Serina and Kazu went to get ramen. The original plan was yakitori (chicken), but the shop was hosting a party and was full, so in the end we went to KuroFune (black ship) and had real ramen. 
(Below is miso ramen, with meat and green onions.)

It was good, if not a little pricey. (1000¥!)

But they make it in front of you (kind of), which is cool.

End Monday.