When you've ignored your blog for an entire year, there's going to be a lot of back-logging to do.
Meh, who am I kidding.
I'm in London, living with Hana, Rob and new-comer Machiko. I'm qualified and waiting for calls for supply work.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
A proper new start
Two and a half weeks ago I would never have guess I would be here, of all places, writing this. Just when all seemed lost, and an extension of my contract at the NHS was all that stood between me and eternity, I scraped in to UEA and I even found myself a splendid room in the lovely city of Norwich.
For those of you who don't know, I've been living with my pa, and the ever-generous Lynne and Tony at The Black Horse, Lacey Green:
And now I am here:
Which I share with the very pretty Stephanie and Nathalie who is yet to move in.
And in a little over 4 weeks we'll know better whether I'll be running for the hills regretting ever considering becoming a teacher, or continue to feel blessed to have such a great opportunity fall my way. Yar.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Bye bye Murou
Tomorrow I am leaving Murou village and moving to Nishinomiya City. I've said all my sayonaras and thrown out all 11 bags of rubbish and given the whole place a good clean up. All that is left to do is pack the washing which is not (and probably will not be before my train) dry. Of course I've also got to try and sleep, but that might be more difficult than it sounds. I want to mark this day in my blog, but my summaries of and homages to the last 3 years are beginning to dry out, so I will copy here the speech in English and Japanese which I gave to the entire school during my send off last week.
On Friday I shall be returning to the UK for two weeks, so I'll have plenty to blog about and share with anyone who happens to come along and read!
Good morning everyone. I thought about giving my speech in Japanese, but I realized that if I wanted to speak from my heart I would have to speak English. Even if you cannot understand my words, I hope that you can hear the sentiment.
みなさん、おはようございます。日本語でスピーチをしようと思ったのですが、自分の心からの気持ちを伝えたいと思うので英語で話そうと思います。もし私が言っていることがわからなくても、私の気持ちがみなさんに届いたらうれしいです。
Three years ago I traveled 11 hours in an aeroplane, not knowing what would meet me at the other end. I had very few preconceptions of Murou or Japan, except that my house will be big, and cold in the winter. The UK is so far from Japan that there are very few Japanese there and even fewer British who have traveled to Japan. I felt like a pioneer, trying to create a small bridge between our two countries.
三 年前、飛行機で１１時間、 この先どんなことに出会うかもわからないままやって来ました。室生村や日本についてほとんど予想もできず、知っていることとい えばこれから住む家が大きいということと、冬は寒いということだけでした。イギリスは日本からとても離れていて、少ししか日本人がいないし、日本を旅した ことのあるイギリス人も少ないです。私は二つの国の掛け橋になる開拓者のような気持ちでした。
And back then it really was an adventure! I had to try hard to cope with the different heat and humidity. I think I was jet-lagged for one whole month! Every day-to-day task was a challenge; taking the train, buying a snack at a convenience store, paying my bills. Perhaps getting used to school life was the most difficult task, but it was definitely the most rewarding of all challenges. Nothing has made me happier in Japan that knowing every day I had a warm, comfortable, happy work-place to come to.
は じめは本当に冒険のようでした。質の違う暑さや湿気に慣れなければなりませんでした。一ヶ月間も時差ボケが続きました。毎日のちょっとしたこともすべて が挑戦でした。電車に乗ったり、コンビニで何かを買ったり、料金を支払ったりすることも挑戦でした。一番難しかったのは学校の生活に慣れることでしたが、 全ての挑戦の中で一番やりがいのあることでした。毎日、暖かくて心地の良いハッピーな仕事場に来られたことが何よりも幸せなことです。
For every time I miss my family, there is a teacher here with a smile and a “good morning” to make me feel better. Whenever I’m confused with Japanese there is a student trying their hardest to speak to me in English. If ever I’m frustrated with the cultural differences, someone is around to help me understand.
家族を恋しく思うたびに、笑顔で「おはよう」と言って下さる先生がいます。日本語がわからない時には、英語でがんばってしゃべりかけてくれる生徒のみなさんがいます。文化の違いで困ったときには、誰かが日本の文化を理解する手伝いをしてくれます。
When I came to Japan I left behind everything that had supported me. I would have no family, no friends, no familiarity with my surroundings. It is only thanks to people in this village and school that I have managed to cope without them. It’s not until you lose these things that you realize how special and important they are to you.
日本に来たとき、それまで私を支えてくれたものは全て置いてきました。家族もなく、友達もなく、環境にも親しみがありませんでした。学校と村の人たちのおかげで、順応することができました。なくなって初めてその大切さに気づくものです。
One of the most important things I’ve learned since coming to Japan is the significance of language and understanding. When you learn English you probably think of it as a list of words and some confusing grammar that you need to learn for a test. But the goal of learning English isn’t the score on the test. If you can understand and say a few words in English you will be able to express yourself to millions of people. I’ve learnt that perfection is not needed when speaking another language; you just have to want to express yourself. If you desire to tell someone else how you feel or think then you will be able to do it, no matter what words you use.
日 本に来て学んだことで一番大切なことは、言葉と相互理解の大切さです。英 語を勉強していると、みなさんは単語のリストだとか、難しい文法だとかテストに 必要なものばかりを考えるかもしれません。でも、英語の勉強の目標はテストの結果ではありません。もし英語のいくつかの単語がわかったり言ったりできれ ば、何百万人もの人たちに自分の気持ちを表すことができます。私は外国語を話すときに、完璧を求める必要はないということを学びました。何かを伝えようと 思うその気持ちだけが必要なのです。自分がどう感じ、何を考えているかを他の誰かに伝えたいと思えば、どんな言葉を使ったとしても伝えることができます。
Knowing this has helped me to make relationships with people in Japan that will be difficult to leave. Even though we do not share a language, we’re able to make incredibly strong connections. I will never forget you, the students and teachers of Murou, because being among you has changed my life.
このことを知ったことで、たくさんの人たちと素晴らしい人間関係を築くことができました。同じ言葉を話さなくても、驚くほど強い絆をもつことができます。室生中の生徒のみなさんや先生方のことを一生忘れません。私の生活はみなさんとの出会うことで変わったからです。
This opportunity I have had to live and work in a foreign country is rare and special. However I didn’t get here because I was lucky or special. I got this opportunity because I wanted it and I tried hard to get it. You can do it too. I really hope that some of you will find the chance to do something as wonderful and exciting as this some time in your lives. I’m certain that any one of you can achieve it if you really want it. If I can do it, you can too.
外 国で住み、働くという機会はめったに得ることができない 特別なことです。しかし、私は運だけでここに来たのではありません。強く望み、ここに来られるよ うにがんばったから、このチャンスを手に入れられたのです。あなたたちもチャンスを手にすることはできます。生涯で、素敵な、わくわくするようなことをす るチャンスを見つけてください。誰もが本当に心からしたいと思えばそれを実現できると思っています。私ができるのですから、みなさんにもできるはずです。
To the students, for being genki; the principle, vice principle and teachers for being so generous and thoughtful; the English teachers for helping me and guiding me to be a better teacher; thank you all so much. I wish all of you best of luck in the future and hope our paths cross again. Take care of yourselves and each other.
生 徒のみなさんが元気でい てくれたこと、校長先生や教頭先生、他の先生方の寛大で親切にしてくれたこと、英語の先生方にはいい先生になれるように手助けを してもらったこと、みなさんに感謝したいと思います。みなさんお元気で。またいつか会えることを願っています。本当にありがとうございました。
On Friday I shall be returning to the UK for two weeks, so I'll have plenty to blog about and share with anyone who happens to come along and read!
Good morning everyone. I thought about giving my speech in Japanese, but I realized that if I wanted to speak from my heart I would have to speak English. Even if you cannot understand my words, I hope that you can hear the sentiment.
みなさん、おはようございます。日本語でスピーチをしようと思ったのですが、自分の心からの気持ちを伝えたいと思うので英語で話そうと思います。もし私が言っていることがわからなくても、私の気持ちがみなさんに届いたらうれしいです。
Three years ago I traveled 11 hours in an aeroplane, not knowing what would meet me at the other end. I had very few preconceptions of Murou or Japan, except that my house will be big, and cold in the winter. The UK is so far from Japan that there are very few Japanese there and even fewer British who have traveled to Japan. I felt like a pioneer, trying to create a small bridge between our two countries.
三 年前、飛行機で１１時間、 この先どんなことに出会うかもわからないままやって来ました。室生村や日本についてほとんど予想もできず、知っていることとい えばこれから住む家が大きいということと、冬は寒いということだけでした。イギリスは日本からとても離れていて、少ししか日本人がいないし、日本を旅した ことのあるイギリス人も少ないです。私は二つの国の掛け橋になる開拓者のような気持ちでした。
And back then it really was an adventure! I had to try hard to cope with the different heat and humidity. I think I was jet-lagged for one whole month! Every day-to-day task was a challenge; taking the train, buying a snack at a convenience store, paying my bills. Perhaps getting used to school life was the most difficult task, but it was definitely the most rewarding of all challenges. Nothing has made me happier in Japan that knowing every day I had a warm, comfortable, happy work-place to come to.
は じめは本当に冒険のようでした。質の違う暑さや湿気に慣れなければなりませんでした。一ヶ月間も時差ボケが続きました。毎日のちょっとしたこともすべて が挑戦でした。電車に乗ったり、コンビニで何かを買ったり、料金を支払ったりすることも挑戦でした。一番難しかったのは学校の生活に慣れることでしたが、 全ての挑戦の中で一番やりがいのあることでした。毎日、暖かくて心地の良いハッピーな仕事場に来られたことが何よりも幸せなことです。
For every time I miss my family, there is a teacher here with a smile and a “good morning” to make me feel better. Whenever I’m confused with Japanese there is a student trying their hardest to speak to me in English. If ever I’m frustrated with the cultural differences, someone is around to help me understand.
家族を恋しく思うたびに、笑顔で「おはよう」と言って下さる先生がいます。日本語がわからない時には、英語でがんばってしゃべりかけてくれる生徒のみなさんがいます。文化の違いで困ったときには、誰かが日本の文化を理解する手伝いをしてくれます。
When I came to Japan I left behind everything that had supported me. I would have no family, no friends, no familiarity with my surroundings. It is only thanks to people in this village and school that I have managed to cope without them. It’s not until you lose these things that you realize how special and important they are to you.
日本に来たとき、それまで私を支えてくれたものは全て置いてきました。家族もなく、友達もなく、環境にも親しみがありませんでした。学校と村の人たちのおかげで、順応することができました。なくなって初めてその大切さに気づくものです。
One of the most important things I’ve learned since coming to Japan is the significance of language and understanding. When you learn English you probably think of it as a list of words and some confusing grammar that you need to learn for a test. But the goal of learning English isn’t the score on the test. If you can understand and say a few words in English you will be able to express yourself to millions of people. I’ve learnt that perfection is not needed when speaking another language; you just have to want to express yourself. If you desire to tell someone else how you feel or think then you will be able to do it, no matter what words you use.
日 本に来て学んだことで一番大切なことは、言葉と相互理解の大切さです。英 語を勉強していると、みなさんは単語のリストだとか、難しい文法だとかテストに 必要なものばかりを考えるかもしれません。でも、英語の勉強の目標はテストの結果ではありません。もし英語のいくつかの単語がわかったり言ったりできれ ば、何百万人もの人たちに自分の気持ちを表すことができます。私は外国語を話すときに、完璧を求める必要はないということを学びました。何かを伝えようと 思うその気持ちだけが必要なのです。自分がどう感じ、何を考えているかを他の誰かに伝えたいと思えば、どんな言葉を使ったとしても伝えることができます。
Knowing this has helped me to make relationships with people in Japan that will be difficult to leave. Even though we do not share a language, we’re able to make incredibly strong connections. I will never forget you, the students and teachers of Murou, because being among you has changed my life.
このことを知ったことで、たくさんの人たちと素晴らしい人間関係を築くことができました。同じ言葉を話さなくても、驚くほど強い絆をもつことができます。室生中の生徒のみなさんや先生方のことを一生忘れません。私の生活はみなさんとの出会うことで変わったからです。
This opportunity I have had to live and work in a foreign country is rare and special. However I didn’t get here because I was lucky or special. I got this opportunity because I wanted it and I tried hard to get it. You can do it too. I really hope that some of you will find the chance to do something as wonderful and exciting as this some time in your lives. I’m certain that any one of you can achieve it if you really want it. If I can do it, you can too.
外 国で住み、働くという機会はめったに得ることができない 特別なことです。しかし、私は運だけでここに来たのではありません。強く望み、ここに来られるよ うにがんばったから、このチャンスを手に入れられたのです。あなたたちもチャンスを手にすることはできます。生涯で、素敵な、わくわくするようなことをす るチャンスを見つけてください。誰もが本当に心からしたいと思えばそれを実現できると思っています。私ができるのですから、みなさんにもできるはずです。
To the students, for being genki; the principle, vice principle and teachers for being so generous and thoughtful; the English teachers for helping me and guiding me to be a better teacher; thank you all so much. I wish all of you best of luck in the future and hope our paths cross again. Take care of yourselves and each other.
生 徒のみなさんが元気でい てくれたこと、校長先生や教頭先生、他の先生方の寛大で親切にしてくれたこと、英語の先生方にはいい先生になれるように手助けを してもらったこと、みなさんに感謝したいと思います。みなさんお元気で。またいつか会えることを願っています。本当にありがとうございました。
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Now, the Future
I don't really have an excuse for not putting up anything here recently, except that I've had nothing worth broadcasting (not even blog-worthy). However, I've managed to compile a few items of interesting and good news suitable for adding to the Thick Soup.
Firstly I'll say that I got back safely from India without so much as a hiccup and pictures should now be available in the previous posts.
Secondly, I have been accepted into Edinburgh University to study M.Ed.(TESOL) starting in 2006. I was only slightly worried that I wouldn't get in, but to all those in the UK wanting to know when I'll be back, it should at least be sometime before I start studying.
Third, I am almost definatley staying in Japan after I finish my contract in July. An Australian friend of mine studying at Kobe University and I have arranged to live together and he has found an appartment which not only is mostly furnished and has low deposit, also is convenient for Osaka and Kobe. I have already partially signed up with an agency in Osaka which will mostly likely be able to find me work (and will sponsor my visa yay). I hope to work in Japan for at least another 6 months, until I save up enough money to go travelling or find another short term exciting teaching opportunity somewhere in the world. There is always the proficiency test to re-sit in December too :(.
Finally I'd like to say to anyone reading that I hope you are well and enjoying (or at least able to bear) whatever challenges life has for you. I would love to hear from you, even a quick hello (hit the reply button!). Until next time.
Firstly I'll say that I got back safely from India without so much as a hiccup and pictures should now be available in the previous posts.
Secondly, I have been accepted into Edinburgh University to study M.Ed.(TESOL) starting in 2006. I was only slightly worried that I wouldn't get in, but to all those in the UK wanting to know when I'll be back, it should at least be sometime before I start studying.
Third, I am almost definatley staying in Japan after I finish my contract in July. An Australian friend of mine studying at Kobe University and I have arranged to live together and he has found an appartment which not only is mostly furnished and has low deposit, also is convenient for Osaka and Kobe. I have already partially signed up with an agency in Osaka which will mostly likely be able to find me work (and will sponsor my visa yay). I hope to work in Japan for at least another 6 months, until I save up enough money to go travelling or find another short term exciting teaching opportunity somewhere in the world. There is always the proficiency test to re-sit in December too :(.
Finally I'd like to say to anyone reading that I hope you are well and enjoying (or at least able to bear) whatever challenges life has for you. I would love to hear from you, even a quick hello (hit the reply button!). Until next time.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Arrival in Rishikesh
My journey to Rishikesh was quite simple and hassle free. Delhi seems a much less stressful city than Mumbai and despite the crazy hustle and bustle of the train station, making it to my train on time was a breeze. The train ride was only 4 hours long and reasonably comfortable, though I was sat next to the noisest family ever. On arrivale though I befriended a group of 4 Brits heading to the same place as me, so we shared a taxi to Swarg Ashram in Reshikesh.
I also met a lovely little german girl in the restaurant of my hotel, she was interested in the book I was reading because she had read it in German once. My room is simple but clean and so far mosquito free. The restaurant has good food, but the service isn't exactly wonderful. The nights are wonderfully cool but the afternoons still warm.
This morning I have been for a walk alongside the Ganges. Being surrounded by green hills and the busy alleyways filled with Indians and non-Indians is a wonderful feeling. I'm looking forward to trying some yoga here, the sessions are two hours long each and very cheap. I'm sure I'll find plenty of things to do for the next 4 days and I'll definately have the chance to meet some very interesting people.
(Rafting on the Ganges, highlight of the days that followed)
I also met a lovely little german girl in the restaurant of my hotel, she was interested in the book I was reading because she had read it in German once. My room is simple but clean and so far mosquito free. The restaurant has good food, but the service isn't exactly wonderful. The nights are wonderfully cool but the afternoons still warm.
This morning I have been for a walk alongside the Ganges. Being surrounded by green hills and the busy alleyways filled with Indians and non-Indians is a wonderful feeling. I'm looking forward to trying some yoga here, the sessions are two hours long each and very cheap. I'm sure I'll find plenty of things to do for the next 4 days and I'll definately have the chance to meet some very interesting people.
(Rafting on the Ganges, highlight of the days that followed)
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Humanity: tick
I write this just about an hour after saying goodbye to the rest of the team beside the Gate of India in Mumbai. It's been an amazing 10 days, which I'll try to describe as I wait for my flight to Delhi later.
Getting to our destination this time was much easier than 2 years ago. There was of course no SARS epidemic in Hong Kong this time, so we were not delayed overnight in Tokyo or Mumbai. So after leaving Kansai airport on Saturday in the early afternoon on Saturday we arrive in Hyderabad (after 16 hours of airplane) in the wee hours of Sunday morning. I was very surprised that Nalini, the GV Team coordinator for India was there to meet us and escort us to the affiliate (a further 6 hours away by train), but also that the affiliate president, Mr Rajsaheker, was also there to travel with us along with Mr Solomon, the worksite supervisor. On Sunday as we travelled to Bapatla we learned very quickly that these people who would manage all aspects of our week were also three very kind, friendly and warm people who would seem to bend over backwards to make sure we had a wonderful experience.
(Left to right: Mr Rajsaheker, Nick, Lucas, Hannah, Karen, Nalini, Solomon)
As with my previous habitat trip, the welcome we received by the affiliate board members was warm and humbling not to mention the ceremony held by the village elders and home-owners the next day. The village was larger and wealther than the last one in Trichy two years ago, but the need for housing is very strong. 300+ houses were destroyed 4 years ago by fire and as we arrive the first batch of 5 were beginning to be completed.
Over the course of our stay, due to Easter holidays, we only worked on the site for 4 days. 2 days were spent pouring concrete on the rooves of houses, and two days were spend white-washing the inside of one house and helping mix and carry the mortar to plaster the walls of another house. Actually after the first day of rooving, Lucas and I both became suddenly rather sick, and despite putting it down to airport flu and heatstroke, Mr Rajsahekar insisted that we go to visit his doctor friend... which led to our spending the night in hospital! Oops! After a day's rest though, we were both back at work and helping the rest of the team.
As before we spent our mornings at the worksite, and the afternoons at the orphanage which Mr Rajsahekar owns. There we played with the children, taught them songs and games, and were equally sung to and shown games they play. One night they also put on a show where they sang and danced (very well) to their favourite hymns or pop songs. At the end of this show we were embarrasingly asked to sing ourselves, so we did Row Row Row Your Boat in rounds and taught everyone how to do If You're Happy And You Know It.
(Nick and Lucas heave-hoing)
(Suzi painting like it were afternoon tea)
On our day off on Good Friday we went to visit some trade workers in nearby towns, then on Saturday we went to a larger town perhaps 2.5hrs drive away to do some shopping and also visit a very old set of oringally Budhist now half-Hindu caves.
(Carvings)
Sunday was spent inaugerating the first finished house in the village and taking part in the farewell ceremony, followed by the farewell dinner.
(Sunset over the village)
Due to the awkward plane and train time tables, we had to leave very very early on Monday morning to go back to Hyderabad, and our flight to Mumbai was very very early this morning, so in the past 2 days I've only slept about 7 hours, most of which was broken by vehicle noises and overactive airconditioning.
(Sayonara at the Gateway to India)
Now I sit, barely able to stay lucid and paranoid that now I'm alone I'm suddenly going to get sick or scammed!
I'm not able to go into as much detail as the last week deserves, and I wish I could portray more the feelings I have from the week we spent in Bapatla. Awe and wonder at the endurance and strength of the people in the village who strive every day for their comparitively simple lifestyles. Incredible respect for Nalini, Mr Rajsahekar and Mr Solomon who deal with these problems every day of their lives and sacrificed so much of their time and energy for our team. Kinship and fondness for the other team members, Lucas, Nick, Hannah, Suzi and Karen, for having stayed together from start to finish over the last 6 months. These are just minute snippets of the emotions I have felt, and I hope that in some way in the future I will be able to project them more fluently and meaningfully.
I have no idea what the next week will bring me, but if all things go as planned I will at least be in Delhi this time next tuesday with Nick, preparing for the long flight back to Japan. I will try to update this blog, for my own sake more than any other's, as often as I need and can. Stayed tuned for more Indian adventures and shennanigans.
Getting to our destination this time was much easier than 2 years ago. There was of course no SARS epidemic in Hong Kong this time, so we were not delayed overnight in Tokyo or Mumbai. So after leaving Kansai airport on Saturday in the early afternoon on Saturday we arrive in Hyderabad (after 16 hours of airplane) in the wee hours of Sunday morning. I was very surprised that Nalini, the GV Team coordinator for India was there to meet us and escort us to the affiliate (a further 6 hours away by train), but also that the affiliate president, Mr Rajsaheker, was also there to travel with us along with Mr Solomon, the worksite supervisor. On Sunday as we travelled to Bapatla we learned very quickly that these people who would manage all aspects of our week were also three very kind, friendly and warm people who would seem to bend over backwards to make sure we had a wonderful experience.
(Left to right: Mr Rajsaheker, Nick, Lucas, Hannah, Karen, Nalini, Solomon)
As with my previous habitat trip, the welcome we received by the affiliate board members was warm and humbling not to mention the ceremony held by the village elders and home-owners the next day. The village was larger and wealther than the last one in Trichy two years ago, but the need for housing is very strong. 300+ houses were destroyed 4 years ago by fire and as we arrive the first batch of 5 were beginning to be completed.
Over the course of our stay, due to Easter holidays, we only worked on the site for 4 days. 2 days were spent pouring concrete on the rooves of houses, and two days were spend white-washing the inside of one house and helping mix and carry the mortar to plaster the walls of another house. Actually after the first day of rooving, Lucas and I both became suddenly rather sick, and despite putting it down to airport flu and heatstroke, Mr Rajsahekar insisted that we go to visit his doctor friend... which led to our spending the night in hospital! Oops! After a day's rest though, we were both back at work and helping the rest of the team.
As before we spent our mornings at the worksite, and the afternoons at the orphanage which Mr Rajsahekar owns. There we played with the children, taught them songs and games, and were equally sung to and shown games they play. One night they also put on a show where they sang and danced (very well) to their favourite hymns or pop songs. At the end of this show we were embarrasingly asked to sing ourselves, so we did Row Row Row Your Boat in rounds and taught everyone how to do If You're Happy And You Know It.
(Nick and Lucas heave-hoing)
(Suzi painting like it were afternoon tea)
On our day off on Good Friday we went to visit some trade workers in nearby towns, then on Saturday we went to a larger town perhaps 2.5hrs drive away to do some shopping and also visit a very old set of oringally Budhist now half-Hindu caves.
(Carvings)
Sunday was spent inaugerating the first finished house in the village and taking part in the farewell ceremony, followed by the farewell dinner.
(Sunset over the village)
Due to the awkward plane and train time tables, we had to leave very very early on Monday morning to go back to Hyderabad, and our flight to Mumbai was very very early this morning, so in the past 2 days I've only slept about 7 hours, most of which was broken by vehicle noises and overactive airconditioning.
(Sayonara at the Gateway to India)
Now I sit, barely able to stay lucid and paranoid that now I'm alone I'm suddenly going to get sick or scammed!
I'm not able to go into as much detail as the last week deserves, and I wish I could portray more the feelings I have from the week we spent in Bapatla. Awe and wonder at the endurance and strength of the people in the village who strive every day for their comparitively simple lifestyles. Incredible respect for Nalini, Mr Rajsahekar and Mr Solomon who deal with these problems every day of their lives and sacrificed so much of their time and energy for our team. Kinship and fondness for the other team members, Lucas, Nick, Hannah, Suzi and Karen, for having stayed together from start to finish over the last 6 months. These are just minute snippets of the emotions I have felt, and I hope that in some way in the future I will be able to project them more fluently and meaningfully.
I have no idea what the next week will bring me, but if all things go as planned I will at least be in Delhi this time next tuesday with Nick, preparing for the long flight back to Japan. I will try to update this blog, for my own sake more than any other's, as often as I need and can. Stayed tuned for more Indian adventures and shennanigans.
Monday, March 14, 2005
6 Days Til India
It is just 6 days now until I and 5 others from Nara will be going to Bapatla in India. Every time I think about it I get excited and nervous causing me to feel sick until I apply my mind to something else. I'm really looking forward to being in the thick of things again, like last time, and being able to try to connect with the people in India. I can't wait to be able to put myself into action in such a physical way and feel the gratification from it. I'm eager to spend 10 days with the group and get to know them better and enjoy the experience with them. All this, and I'm nervous about being the team leader. Nervous about being abroad again. Worried about the welfare of my grouop. Worried about the social dynamics of being in such in impoverished location again. Dreading anything which might reveal my insuitability for being the leader of a group of well-meaning English teachers in India.
But I don't let me seem as though I'm all about angst at the moment. I'm very adept at putting negative feelings into a box and closing the lid, so I'm certainly not overcome with anxiety. I'll be sure to post as often as I can when I'm in India, from 19th March until 5th April, so please come back and read how my demons are (hopefully) overcome.
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