Fun Choir Competition, Boring Enkai

Well, the choir competition actually turned out to be really cool! All the students had to bike from Kizakichuu to Airys Hall. I was surprised that they'd just let all 290 students bike there...it takes about 20 minutes by bike...not to mention they were all wearing their nice winter uniforms while biking. I went with my JTE by car and we stopped mid-way to guide the students as they passed along. I felt like a cheerleader the entire time. Hehe.

Anyway, each class competed against their own grade level. They had the same first song, but the second was different for each class. I was AMAZED at how well the students could sing. Also, each class had their own pianist and conductor! They pretty much ran the entire thing themselves. It would definitely be hard to find a pianist in every class back at home. The teachers were the judges. I'm glad I didn't have to judge though b/c it was so hard since they were all SO good. Plus, they've been practicing day in and day out for this so it would be really difficult to determine who should get first place....they all deserved it. The entire competition lasted 3 hours. I'm really glad I got a chance to go watch this b/c they are truly talented kids.

That night, I attended my first enkai (party) for Kizaki Chuugakkou (jr. high). It was the most boring enkai EVER, not to mention it cost 5000 yen per person. Let's just say I got home by 10pm, which is super early, considering there is always drinking involved. I knew there was a second party after that, but I didn't want to bother, and plus they didn't seem eager to have me join. I did get some Japanese practice though, because my JTE didn't arrive until later. Oh well, I needed to experience an enkai w/ the teachers here just to see if they are as boring w/ alcohol as they are at school. Sadly, there wasn't much of a difference.

Thought of the day:

I turned on my kotatsu (table with heater) for the first time last night. It kept my legs and feet soo warm. Omg...I am in love with yet another applicance. I guess the lack of viable men in this country leave us with no alternative but to turn to our home appliances for warmth? Very sad.