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Kalocsa fever in my high school

In the beginning of the school year the home economics teachers approached me, and asked me to teach a few home economics lessons later this year in English, and teach my students how to make Hungarian food.  I was very happy that they want to integrate me more into the curriculum, and give me an opportunity to teach something other than the usual English grammar lessons. The English teachers let me plan my own lessons, but they usually give me grammar points to focus on, and certain grammar points you just can't make into a fun lesson, although I try my best every time.

Then, later in spring I wore my embroidered self decorated denim jacket to school, and one of the home economics teachers saw it. Oh my God was she all over me about it. What is it? How did I make it? How long did it take? Was it difficult? etc...I like wearing unique clothes and accessories, but I never thought this one would get so much attention. Maybe you remember the jacket I posted pics about it last autumn. I post them again just in case.

Kalocsa (pronounce it as kalocha) style flowers.

Anyway, she asked me to teach the embroidery to the home economics club next month, so at the cultural festival they can sell bags from the 100 yen store with embroidery they put on them. I found it was a great idea, so I immediately agreed. My English club members heard about the idea, and when they saw the pictures of the Kalocsa and Matyó style embroideries I printed out, they decided to join the home economics club learning how to do it, and we are going to make coasters that we will sell with cookies and drinks at the cultural festival in September.

A table cloth I'm working at right now.

I'm just so happy it turned out this way. Finally, I feel I can contribute to the students education in a way that no other NET and no native English speaker ever could. Finally, I feel I'm irreplaceable, and I can be proud of who I am, where I'm from. That's very important to me after being treated as a second class gaijin for years. I'm even thinking about doing this kind of embroidery as a profession if I ever quit teaching...which won't happen in the near future, as I really enjoy teaching right now. 

The first year in this school was difficult, but now I know which teachers I can trust, which ones I should avoid, and the students have become more friendly. After being scolded by a few teachers in the year opening ceremony for not greeting the teachers, they finally do say "hello" or "good morning" when we meet.

I'm quite comfortable now. I only wish I wouldn't have to get up at 6:30 in the morning to go to work.

Sorry for the spalling and punctuation mistakes. It's quite late, and I'm feeling crappy all day with low blood pressure and headaches, ever since rainy season set in. 

Souvenir shopping trip in Kyoto

Every time I go home, I travel to Kyoto to buy souvenirs. For family, for friends, for unavoidable to meet relatives, neighbors etc. The best place to get good stuff is Kyoto, since people back home kinda expect to get Japanese style stuff. They never believe me when I say, that actually, buying European or American style things here is much easier, because that is what sells here. Traditional Japanese souvenirs sell only among tourists. Anyway, best place to go in Kinki area is Sanjo Teramachi, only five minutes walk from Keihan Sanjo station. A bunch of covered streets full of stores selling food, clothes, and lots of souvenirs, and handmade Japanese products. So, that's where I went. 

Kamogawa River near Sanjo station

A cormorant...maybe.

This building is a Starbucks. I just love the whole atmosphere of this place.

Oh, Dear Kamogawa...how many hours we spent on your banks with friends talking about LIFE after school ends, about love life troubles and family secrets, about hopes and dreams. Ashley I miss you sooooooo much dear!

Sorry for the emotional breakout (^_^;).   Too many fond memories from my one year as an exchange student here...Kyoto was THE Place to go at the time.

Let's get back to shopping. First I found this little candy store that sells traditional candies in all flavours, including green tea (that I refrain from buying), in lovely boxes and wraps. Look!

Candy store. They even gave me some candies as a present...already ate them...

Look how beautifully shaped these jelly things are (525 yen a box), and those round little packs are so cute, and they were only 250 yen each!

On the way to the covered shopping street you can find Meidi-ya. This is a really good imported food store, but it's a bit expensive. This is the only imported food store I found that sells Tokaji Aszú, a very famous brand of Hungarian wine. (^^).

Finally I reached the covered shopping street area. They have a lovely cake shop here too. Have eaten there a couple of times. Beside the small souvenir and food stores you can even find shops selling alternative clothing for visual kei fans. Used to love these kind of stores...I think I still have the skirt with coffins printed on, and chains attached to it, that I wore to an Antic Cafe live, and the checked pleated skirt I wore to Charlotte's live...R.I.P. Kazuno. 

Finally, arrived  ( ^ ^ )

Yummiiieeeee

That strawberry mousse cake and the walnut cake in the back looked really tempting....OMG!

VK clothing

This was a rather interesting shop window....I wonder what message they were trying to convey.

I got a few packs of cookies, some of them with a geisha's portrait on them, some with kimono sporting Hello Kitty, some with pictures of Kyoto's famous sightseeing spots on them, and some traditional crackers with cinnamon and banana flavour. And a few other gifts, like 3D picture covered nootebooks, a small hand towel, plum tea, and some pottery I won't show here, because the person who 'll get it is reading this blog from time to time  (^_^).

Cheap but stylish presents.

My favourite is the notebook with the 3D pic on it.

There are plenty of other presents I already bought, I just shared the more traditional Japanese style ones with you. Hope you enjoyed reading.