オンライン期間の出来事（ジーアン先生）

We only have a few weeks to go before the end of classes, and the entire school is busy preparing for exams and tests. A few weeks ago, it snowed in Tokyo! During this time, we had online classes, and one of the students mentioned the snowfall. After the class, I hurriedly got outside my apartment and enjoyed the snow. Since we had online classes for a couple of weeks, I was able to save a lot of money since I mostly stayed indoors. I can only count on one hand the total number of times I went outside my apartment. It was also a great chance for the students to see us teachers without our masks on! Now that we’re back, I’m excited to read the students’ essays and watch their speaking performances. Graduation is just around the corner, and I know I’m going to miss the students leaving Fujimura. But before that, we’ve still got a lot of things to do! がんばりましょう!

小さな森の猫（キャロル先生）

During the state of emergency in Tokyo, it was important to keep busy and pro-active. I made sure to sleep, eat and exercise well when I could. There is a lovely little forest, close to my apartment, that has a small walkway. I usually jog along this walkway, past the tall trees towards the riverbank. It’s such a nice place to jog and de-stress and I try to do this nearly every second day. There is a black and white cat, who usually hangs out in the little forest, making sure people know just how important he is. Sometimes I try to pet him but he never comes over to me. There are always people crouching down around him, trying to take his photo, like some celebrity cat! He sits there with his head held high and a smug look on his face. Hopefully, someday he’ll stroll over to me and let me get a bit closer to him. I’ll just have to keep jogging through my little forest until he gets used to me.

新年（ジーアン先生）

It’s the new year, and many people are hopeful and optimistic. The year 2020 was challenging, with many unexpected things happening around the world. Hopefully, this year will be marked by successful innovation and solutions. Since the pandemic is still around, it’s important to keep safe and to refrain from going out unless if it’s for important errands. I have found that it’s a good time to brush up on my reading. I’m currently reading “The Book of Tokyo: A City in Short Fiction,” an anthology of short stories from different writers about the strange and beautiful faces of Japan’s capital city. I think that this year, we’ll see more people starting new hobbies and developing new skills. I’m also excited to start the online classes this month! When there are things we can’t control, it’s helpful to focus on the things that we can. And every day is the perfect day for learning something new!

冬休み （キャロル先生）

During winter vacation, I stayed in and made sure to speak with friends and family back home. The time difference makes it difficult sometimes, as there is a nine-hour time difference between Japan and Ireland. This can be tricky and usually means I can only speak with them during the night-time. My family sent me a box called the ‘Paddy Box’ full of Irish snacks and goodies for Christmas, which I have been nibbling on throughout the winter break. It’s full of all types of chocolates and crisps I have been missing and helped me to feel a little bit Christmassy this year. Winter break was also a good time for me to catch up on sleep and get cozy with an interesting book. I usually read thrillers or true crime books but I’m a pretty slow reader. This means I have a stack of books sitting in the corner of my room, waiting for me to read them. As long as the weather stays cold, I know I’ll slowly get through them. They’ll keep me company during the long winter days. What book are you reading to get you through the winter?

ウインタータイム（キャロル先生)

Winter in Tokyo is always a lovely time. Different parts of Tokyo are illuminated with Christmas lights that create a picturesque wonderland. I love walking around and taking it all in, which is easy to do in the mild winter weather. The winter in Ireland is harsher and it rains a lot, which doesn’t make it very appealing to go outside. I recently bought some new books, which I’m very excited to read during the month of December. Staying inside and getting cozy with a book and a nice hot drink is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s good to enjoy the simple things in life.

まもなくクリスマス（ジーアン先生）

It’s just a few weeks till Christmas! In the Philippines, Christmas is a huge celebration. Most people in the Philippines start preparing for Christmas as early as September! There are many lights and colorful lanterns on the streets, and people prepare a huge feast on Christmas Eve called “Noche Buena.” This year, I’m going to be staying in Japan for Christmas, and although I will miss celebrating it with my family, I’m looking forward to all the Christmas decorations and activities in Tokyo. I’m excited to see the illumination displays all over the city. This time is also the last term for the third year high school students. They’re a very friendly and energetic bunch. I’m going to miss them when they graduate. There are so many things to look forward to in December!

日本の紅葉（キャロル先生）

The Changing of the Leaves in Japan This year it will be my third year to witness the changing colors of the leaves in Japan. Each year they have been wonderful to see. I’ve made sure to make the most of my time here in Japan. This year, I won’t be able to travel too far to see the changing leaves but I’m lucky to live and work in such a beautiful part of Tokyo where there are many parks I can walk and jog in. This is my favorite time of year. The weather is perfect; it’s not too cold or too hot. Back in Ireland, this time of year is very difficult for many people. The weather is windy and cold and it rains a lot. The days are long and dark and people tend to stay inside a lot. It is dark when you wake up and dark when you leave work. People need to stay optimistic during the winter months. In Tokyo, I love strolling through the parks with a nice hot coffee, taking in the pretty scenery. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remember where exactly I am. I’m very lucky to be where I am and I try to not take this for granted. Life is always changing and you just have to move along with it.