Rocking in Hakata

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Ok, so before you jump all over me about the fact that I appear in nearly every blog entry’s main photo so far, you should know that I need to purchase an SD card reader for my iMac before I can start using photos that I have. Therefore, it is recycled sunsets, older school pictures, and iSight captures until I get one. Once I have one, I will probably shy away from being the main photo. Then again, I am fantastically alluring, so maybe I should reconsider. (**Chokes on fake hubris.**) Seriously, though, I hope to get a card reader soon. Then you can have some actually interesting photos.

Now, onto the entry for today. I used a generic fill-in-the-blank worksheet for my self-introduction lessons at all 7 schools, and still use it when I have a new class. I laminated 22 photos of my family, friends, college, etc., and use them as visual aids during these lessons. At the bottom of the sheet, I deviate from the parrot-provoking questions and ask the kids to write in Japanese one thing that they learned about me and one thing that they didn’t understand. I have gotten some interesting answers, and I thought I would post a few for you to enjoy. (I will post the funny ones as I come across them throughout my time here, I think.)

Anonymous, 1st year - “I learned that Deas has 2 friends.”
I’d like to think I had more than that…

Anonymous, 1st year - “Are you identical twins?”
I USED VISUAL AIDS. AIDS of a VISUAL nature. Sheesh.

Chizura, 1st year - “Do you have a girlfriend? Akari wants to know…”
Does she, now? Riiiight.

Anonymous, 1st year - “Deas is high-tension.”
This is a good thing here. It means animated, not high strung.

Akari, 1st year - “Do you have a girlfriend? Chizura wants to know…”
Ah HA! The truth comes out! I didn’t make this up. Ridiculous.

Chiko, 2nd year - “Deas has a very famous friend.”
Yes, she is talking about you, Seth. She is not alone in this thought.

Genki, 2nd year - “I understood all about his pet.”
Really? From 1 photo? I taught you his name…that’s all…?

Kinji, 2nd year - “Deas is the best!”
He learned this today. I am so proud. Swear I didn’t teach that, though.

Anonymous, 2nd year - “I learned that his twin is 1 minute younger.”
Bonus points for the difficult sentence! (During the lesson, not the answer.)

Anonymous, 2nd year - “Deas was once a twin.”
Um….did I miss something? Emily? What happened?

Riko, 2nd year - “Deas is a twin.”
That is much better. Phew.

Anonymous, 2nd year - “Deas seems smart, which surprises me.”
Ha ha…ouch?

Anonymous, 1st year - “He is 22. His glasses are Dolce & Gabbana.”
I am 23 now, but was 22 then. But they got the Dolce & Gabbana thing solely from observing the tiny logo on the earpieces of my glasses…sheesh, and I live in rural Japan, too. Brand loyalty? Exists in fishing villages. Also, for those who are interested, Dolce & Gabbana is called “Doru-gaba” in Japanese slang.

Anonymous, 1st year - “I don’t know where South Carolina is.”
Ha ha, that’s ok. I assure you many people don’t. Even in the States.

Anonymous, 1st year - “I didn’t understand many many things, X2!!”
Many many things times two? That’s a lot of misunderstood things…

Yuma, 2nd year - “Deas is 22 years old. Deas is very very fun. Deas is verry verry cool!!!” (Original spelling intact.)
Sweet! I asked for Japanese, but will take English any day. Ha ha.

Anonymous, 2nd year - “Does looks nothing like his twin.”
Yeah? Go talk to the kid who asked if we are identical. After the photo.

Chigusa, 2nd year - “Why are Deas’ eyelashes so long? They’re looong!”
They’re nooooormal. And why are you looking at my eyelashes??

Ai, 2nd year - “Do you curl your eyelashes yourself?”
Um…what? NO! I don’t do anything to them. Do you sit by Chigusa? Also, what the heck is an eyelash-perm? (That is the transliteration of the word used.)

Anonymous, 2nd year - “Is Deas married?”
You’d think you’d show pictures of your spouse if you were. I am still young, kiddo. Got time on my side. I hope. Are you married? There, we’re even in the asking odd/personal/counterintuitive questions department.


I pondered these things as I walked back to the ferry through the covered mall area. It’s basically a street lined with shops, all connected under one big awning. I love the area, actually, despite the fact that it is becoming unpopular. (A big mall called Fuji Grand just opened down the way.) But it’s a nice walk. Wouldn’t shop there. Anyway, hope you liked these quotes. I’ll post more if I get more.