We had our first earthquake a couple of days ago in the early morning. It wasn't too big but it was enough to make you wonder if it was going to grow in intensity. It was like a big truck passing close by your house. Luckily, it did not and was soon over. Back when I was in-country, each time there was one, I always wondered if it was going to be the big one. Most are harmless though.
Today's meeting was with my old English group. Setsuko picked me up at the north end of the subway station and she didn't seem so different after 10 years. At the local cafe, she had assembled the whole group. How bizarre. Masao had kept a record of attendance and my teaching stats for how long I had taught. He also had every note I had handed out at the English club. It was sure nice to see them all again. They were surprised when I told them I was teaching music at a French school. They were also impressed about my Canada bike trip and the upcoming France trip. They themselves are quiet busy and it was nice to see them doing lots of interesting things as well. They also briefly discussed the earthquake and I was glad they had all gotten through it without a whole lot of damage. We finished up our meal with a picture and they not only paid for my meal but they also gave me a present! What nice people. I'm so glad they took the time to meet me.
In the evening, Momo and Yukie cane over for dinner and we had curried rice. Later we played cards and I learned some more games. We played the game Cheat which they call Doubt. You put cards down in numerical order. If someone thinks you are cheating, they call doubt. If they are right, the cheater has to take all the cards in the pile, if not, the accuser has to take the cards. Geat fun, I didn't realize the Japanese were so good at cheating! Actually, how could I forget Pearl Harbour!!!??? My biggest coup in the game was slapping down about 30 cards and Yukie followed up before Megumi could shout doubt! Mom ruled in my favour! An awesome moment in card history! Momo is going to come over next Sunday. She really loves spending time with Megumi.
I've made plans with Emi and Yuko to go see ishinomaki and the earthquake damage on Saturday. It'll be interesting but in a morbid way. I feel it is important to see the damage with my own eyes.
Today's meeting was with my old English group. Setsuko picked me up at the north end of the subway station and she didn't seem so different after 10 years. At the local cafe, she had assembled the whole group. How bizarre. Masao had kept a record of attendance and my teaching stats for how long I had taught. He also had every note I had handed out at the English club. It was sure nice to see them all again. They were surprised when I told them I was teaching music at a French school. They were also impressed about my Canada bike trip and the upcoming France trip. They themselves are quiet busy and it was nice to see them doing lots of interesting things as well. They also briefly discussed the earthquake and I was glad they had all gotten through it without a whole lot of damage. We finished up our meal with a picture and they not only paid for my meal but they also gave me a present! What nice people. I'm so glad they took the time to meet me.
In the evening, Momo and Yukie cane over for dinner and we had curried rice. Later we played cards and I learned some more games. We played the game Cheat which they call Doubt. You put cards down in numerical order. If someone thinks you are cheating, they call doubt. If they are right, the cheater has to take all the cards in the pile, if not, the accuser has to take the cards. Geat fun, I didn't realize the Japanese were so good at cheating! Actually, how could I forget Pearl Harbour!!!??? My biggest coup in the game was slapping down about 30 cards and Yukie followed up before Megumi could shout doubt! Mom ruled in my favour! An awesome moment in card history! Momo is going to come over next Sunday. She really loves spending time with Megumi.
I've made plans with Emi and Yuko to go see ishinomaki and the earthquake damage on Saturday. It'll be interesting but in a morbid way. I feel it is important to see the damage with my own eyes.