Welcome to another edition of Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT sits at her desk and waits for something to happen. Today’s post features sadness and stress, with a guest appearance from a whole fish. Let’s jump in!
And the leaving teachers are….
Yesterday, literally right after I posted Deskwarming Diaries #6, the principal announced which teachers won’t be here next year. Many of them have been at this school the whole time I’ve been here, so it feels really strange that they’re leaving. Among the leaving teachers are two from the English Department 🙁 Japan isn’t too big on goodbye presents, but I’m planning on at least writing a nice letter for each of them before they head to their new schools.
Probably the worst part of this announcement happened today, when the principal told the students over the intercom. I sat on the third floor where most of the middle schoolers are and had to listen to their cries of shock and sadness as the names were read out. A lot of the teachers leaving have been at this school for more than 5 years — strange for a school system that is constantly moving teachers. This meant that some of the students are losing teachers that have been here their entire school life. It’s a very emotional time, and many students burst into tears or put their heads on their desks during the announcement. It’s one of my least favorite things about working here.
Taiwan is happening!
On to happier things, we’re going! On Monday. Hunter and I talked about it and we both decided that it would be easier (job-wise) to go now as opposed to mid-April, when his visa expires. There’s also no guarantee that the Covid-19 situation will ease by then, so it’s probably best to go sooner rather than later. I bought the tickets last night; there’s no backing out now!
Aaaand that’s what I’ve been doing for most of today — planning, planning, planning. Usually, a week before a trip I start panicking and stressing because then I have to start thinking about things I have to do before I leave. Now, I’m panicking because there are less than 7 days to go until our flight and we’re still figuring the basics of the trip out! We’re planning on staying in Taipei the whole trip and possibly taking some day trips to nearby areas. Besides that, I’ve got no idea. When I get home, Hunter and I are going to figure out accommodations and book a couple tours. I’ll keep you updated!
A whole. Fish.
Ugh. Today’s just not a great day for me, huh? Between the teachers leaving and the stress of this trip, let’s add in a WHOLE FISH for school lunch, why don’t we? It’s a celebratory meal for the graduating ninth graders, but I groan every year when it appears. “Ah… it’s whole fish day…” I inevitably think.
You are expected to eat the entire fish, head to tail. My first year, I picked at it. I did not understand how my students were just picking up the entire thing and eating it. Ugh. This year and last year, though, I’ve eaten everything but the tail. Why not eat the tail? Because I feel like there isn’t much point. It’s just a crunchy, spindly, unappetizing flake. The head at least has somewhat of a flavor; I can eat it just fine if I don’t think about it too much.
Honestly, once I get past the head, the rest of the fish isn’t too bad. The bones are pretty annoying and they poke the inside of my mouth while I eat it, but the fish itself is tasty. Glad I only have to eat this particular school lunch once a year!
Your students are back? Does that mean things are getting better there? This week our schools are closing and much more, not to mention the toilet paper shortage!