Wednesday was an exciting day because I took mom and dad up to my school to see where I work and to tour the school and meet some students and teachers. We took a cab there because that's the easiest way. Didn't think they'd want to ride bikes all the way like I always do.
When we got there we were greeted immediately by both vice principals and the principal. The vice principal told me they had made an announcement that morning to tell everyone we were coming. We put on our indoor shoes. I, of course got to wear my regular indoor shoes but they got to put on some of the school's slippers. They were too big for my mom and too small for my dad, but they survived. We went up to the teachers room and met some teachers up there. I showed them my desk and we looked around a bit. We went up to the LL (Language Lab) room which is where I teach several classes, and I showed them some of the not-so-high-tech things we have in there. While we were in there, some students came in and got to meet mom and dad. They introduced themselves in English and did very well I thought. We had a pretty simple conversation and I'm sure they could not wait to get out of there. Our students often enjoy trying to speak English with me and Andrea but they get a little freaked out whenever someone else shows up. But I was proud of them nonetheless.
After the LL, we went to the library and looked around in there. My mom also presented the librarians with a book about Texas with lots of pictures. They were very happy and looked through the book as soon as they opened it. I told them in Japanese that my mom is a librarian too which they found very interesting. They even took the book and put it on display at the front of the library so everybody can see it when they come in which I thought was very nice. It was a nice cultural exchange moment. :)
Finally, we walked over to another building on campus where we attended a Koto concert by our Koto club. It was a small room and a small concert, but the girls were absolutely amazing. I had never heard a Koto played in person before and the things they were able to do with it was quite impressive. I'd like to go again sometime. They had a quiz during the intermission/tea time of the concert where they asked various questions. They even asked some questions about the U.S. (who is the president?, where is the Statue of Liberty?) Both mom and dad answered a question right and won a prize. All in all it was very enjoyable. The lady in charge of the Koto club was very funny and friendly and did a good job of making the foreign guests (mom, dad, myself, Andrea, and her friend Tammy) feel welcome.
After the concert and a final look at the school we walked to the public library where I checked out some books and then went home. We had dinner at an izakaya called Watami and had some crepes for dessert at the Orange Pot. Finally we went back home and did the usual, sat around full until we all got too tired and went to bed.
Kelly and I both had to work today so nothing exciting happened with us. Mom and Dad did some exploring apparently but didn't venture too far from home. Tomorrow (Friday) is a national holiday and the plan is to go to Kamakura. Details to come after the trip.
Here are a few pictures of the Koto concert on Flickr. There are students in the pictures so they're only available to Flickr friends and family so if you're not one yet, get a Flickr account and add us.
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