I believe in kindness and freedom and kittens.

Let's get one thing straight: it's fucking hot here. I thought it was going to be nice and chilly, but it's like being back in Florida EXCEPT there is no AC in the majority of people's homes and public buildings to escape to when you're seeping bodily fluid.

On Sunday, August 8th, when I was finished baking at 425 degrees and turned mid-cook to be browned on both sides, I decided to go for a walk to scope out the neighborhood. The second I walked outside, a cool gust of wind from the ocean wrapped me in its embrace as if to say: "Let's go on a refreshing adventure." As I was down for refreshment, I happily accepted the wind's request and began walking toward the junior high school. In a matter of moments, I began to hear laughter. After questioning my sanity, I decided there were actually people outside the JHS, summoned up all my courage, and headed toward the fun.

Apparently, I had unknowingly stumbled upon the 3rd grader's barbecue. (JHS 3rd graders, not like American 3rd grader age. They're all around 14 and 15.) As soon as I was seen, there was a huge commotion. The girl students lost their heads when they saw me and immediately started giggling and pushing their friends toward me. The boys stared at me suspiciously. The teachers ran up to me to introduce themselves and offer me food. The parents talked about me in Japanese and were surprised when I knew they were talking about me. Every time I answered them in Japanese, they laughed uproariously. It doesn't matter what you say here if you're a gaijin. You're always funny.

All of the 3rd grade girls came up to me to introduce themselves, and some shook my hand and giggled like I'd just told the most hilarious joke. It was pretty amusing, though at times I felt like I needed to check if there was actually something about me to laugh about. After I met all of the girls, the music teacher went and grabbed the obvious leader of the 3rd grade boys (he was the tallest and looked the coolest; it's really easy to pick these guys out) and made him introduce himself to me. All of his little minions circled around him as he tried to keep a tough face and shake my hand. He was completely embarrassed. It was awesome. I don't even remember his name, but I totally ate up his embarrassment.

Two 3rd grade girls took the initiative to stick with me throughout the barbecue and talk to me, half in English, half in Japanese. (I am SO relieved that I can partially speak Japanese. It has saved me so many times in conversations where the Japanese person I'm talking to is at a loss for words.) I then convinced the students and music teacher that, yes, we do have shaved ice with syrup on it in America. They are generally referred to as snow cones. It was like I pulled a rabbit out of my ass. Yet again, I amazed them. Sorry, Japan. We figured out how to chip ice and eat it, too. However, we don't pour condensed milk on ours, so I guess you kinda got your own thing goin' on there.

After the kids beat the crap out of two watermelons blindfolded, the watermelons were whisked away to be properly cut while the students prepared to light a giant box of fireworks. At this point, my fight or flight sequence initiated. One foot pivoted on the ball, one foot stepping backward, I nervously weighed the consequences of staying and leaving. If I were to leave, I would miss out on more bonding time with the students, their parents, AND the teachers, BUT I wouldn't have to suffer through the fireworks. If I were to stay, everyone would find out about my incredible fear of fireworks and sudden, loud noises and probably think I was strange for the entire duration of my time in Sai.

I decided to stay, and I'm glad I did. It turned out that the fireworks were really tame ones, mostly sparklers that kids ran around with. This dental technician I met at the BBQ, Dr. Spock, was really grabby and stood super close to me when he spoke. I'm pretty sure he had indulged a bit too much that night. At some point, Dr. Spock grabbed my wrist and led me to the students with the sparklers. It was a lot of fun. I taught a girl that she could write her name in the sparkler smoke, and all of the students came up to me saying "Fire please!" when they needed me to light their sparklers with my own. I think it was a great way to get to know all of them. =)

After the fireworks, it was time to eat the watermelon. Did I mention I hate watermelon? I decided I would just get a tiny, mangled piece and nibble on it a bit to blend in. My plan was promptly ruined by one of my new students, who happily handed me the largest slice of watermelon I have ever seen. I accepted the dripping piece of fruit and took a bite, doing my best to bite back the disgusted snarl behind my smiling facade. As I choked down the watery fruit, I realized this would be only one of many times I would just have to go with the flow. After a few bites, I quietly threw the rest away. Hey, I tried.

To make up for the watermelon experience, I saw a shooting star. My first ever! It was really beautiful. ^_^

Even more amazing, I was invited to an enkai! An enkai is a teachers' party where you get to watch all your coworkers get wasted and hear what's really on their mind. Unlucky for me, I hate beer, so I got this terrible tasting wine, and this guy next to me was smoking a lot. PLUS, I had to sit on the floor, which made my legs fall asleep immediately. After about an hour, I asked the music teacher who had brought me there, Lady Deathstrike, if she could take me back because I was getting pretty tired. Between hearing only Japanese, speaking only Japanese, drinking terrible, strong wine, and inhaling second-hand smoke, I was feeling a little ill. As soon as I stepped into my little oven of an apartment, I felt really content with my adventure. All I had to do was take the initiative to walk outside and go next door to the junior high school. My first visit to the school wasn't supposed to be until almost two weeks later, but I dove in head first and surprised myself by having a great time. (And also surprised my students, teachers, and the parents that I showed up without being told!)

The language barrier here can be extremely overwhelming. The best things to do are stay positive, keep calm, and laugh... a lot! Also, carry around a dictionary. Damn, that's good advice.