It's sunny and most of the snow has melted away!
I had another Soubetsukai （送別会） end of year party yesterday. But this time, it was with my Board of Education, and I managed to steer clear of having beer or alcohol forced into my glasses like I mentioned 2 entries ago. Instead, I smiled politely and said I was drinking uulong tea, though they served it me anyway, and I was able to gulp down these amazing dishes. I still don't really know exactly what I'm eating (haha), but it tastes amazing. And when I do ask what it is, I no longer freak out...not that I really did in the first place, seeing as raw fish has become a favourite of mine for over 6 years now. But doesn't it all look beautiful in the picture? I do find with Japanese food, that apperance is everything. In yesterday's menu there were carrotts sliced in the shape of sakura flowers, with bits of pork balanced delicately and precisely on top of each other in patterned dishes and bowls...it's a like a piece of artwork. Then there's good ol' England, who mash up potatoes into a big slushy white mess and stick bursty, greasy sausages in it, smother it in a brown, sloppy liquid (i.e. gravey) and call it "Bangers and Mash" (though it is a favourite of mine). The non-open-minded Japanese person would probably be horrified.
Though these "soubetsukais" may be translated as a "end of year party" in English, I wouldn't exactly call it a "party" as to its meaning in English. We do have "Farewell parties" in England, but that's all they are; parties. In Japan, all these work parties and sessions start with everyone arriving 10minutes before the time, sitting down neatly in place at the table, then speeches are made by the bosses and whatnot. As this was a "Farewell party", all those who were leaving had to each give a speech and...it droned on and on... The funny thing is, when I look round the room, all the Japanese people have their heads down and are half-asleep or picking at their nails. Then, when the speeches are over and the drinking begins, the atmosphere changes completely, and it feels like a party. Another bizarre aspect of Japanese culture, from my point of view.
Also, this morning there was some sort of meeting at my BoE.
I don't actually know what it's called...but it was basically for the new teachers to be welcomed and introduced to for all the schools in my town. It was again, more speeches, and plenty of bowing. I swear, if I'd have counted how many times people bowed, it would've probably gone over 50! I had to bow and introduce myself too, along with the other workers of the Office, and when my name was called out, the guy read my English last name correctly, but read my Japanese first name incorrectly. Oh, the irony!
Tomorrow is the opening night of the pantomime, 'Aladdin'! Eeek! For some reason even thinking about it now gives me butterflies.
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