PotW: June 28 – July 04 2009

It’s been awhile, but I was editing some of my photos and managed to find one that I’m actually pretty proud of.

As stated below, my friend Yoko and I went to Fukuoka last weekend to see a Flamenco show starring Angelita Vargas. (Amazing.) (Oh, and apparently she’s a world famous Flamenco dancer, Yoko called her one of Spain’s “national treasures”. No wonder I paid $100 for the ticket. That and the free-flowing wine.) I brought my big camera hoping to get some good photos to share with you fine folks, but I’m guessing Ms. Vargas wants control of the photos posted of her, so I wasn’t able to use it for the show.

In order to justify me hauling my big camera around Fukuoka, I took some parting shots of the city as Yoko and I returned to Iki via ferry. Now I’m quite glad I brought it, because it’s rare to have such a gorgeous day–good clouds, not much air pollution, clear water… you get the picture.

One of the lights from the ferry.

Didn’t do much in the way of post-editing. I did play with the sharpness a bit because I liked the grittiness of the light compared to the smooth water but… well. Good contrast. I enjoy it.

Here are some photos from the Flamenco show! They’re not the photos of the week.

Et-chan, Yoko, and Me at the bar. The photos in the background are other famous Flamenco dancers who have performed there.

Once the show ended, the waiters were nice enough to let me take a photo on the stage.

I feel like I should go more in depth regarding the show, but I’m not quite sure how to explain it.  The bar was tiny and crowded, so I didn’t get a good view of Ms. Vargas’ feet, one of the most important parts of Flamenco.  But her facial expressions and hands were enough to make my jaw drop.  She not only looked like she was having the time of her life, but she looked sexy.  And lemme tell you, this woman would not be considered conventionally attractive.  She’s of the older variety.  And a bit plump.  But when she moved it was like that all fell away.  She turned back into the inner vixen she probably was in her younger years.  Well, maybe she still is.  If so, I hope I can be that bad-ass when I’m older!

My other favorite part was one of the guitar players.  Again, not an attractive fellow.  Very plump.  Sweaty.  Short-ish.  But the way he moved with the guitar, and the gorgeous, enveloping sounds that came out well… my mouth went dry.

I really wish I could share something more with you from it, but unfortunately, that’s all.  But not to worry!  Once I perform (haha…hahaha…) in October, you’ll see me be bad, and then at least you’ll know how much better real Flamenco dancers can be.

Happy ID4 guys!  We’re having a party on Iki.  Hopefully it won’t take me too long to talk about it.

 

PotW: March 22 to March 28

Went picture-taking with Christine today (as neither of us have to work).  Iki is absolutely gorgeous right now with beautiful, crisp weather and sakura trees blossoming everywhere.  The trees aren’t full yet, so I’ll hold off until next week to show you how amazing they are, but here’s my favorite from the day:

 

Beautiful mini-islands on the way to our onsen in Yumamoto.

I’m constantly amazed by this view every Wednesday when Christine and I go to onsen.  Usually, though, since we go later in the day it’s not as bright.  And the clouds are almost never as good.  I feel really lucky for getting such a good chance at the shot, though I’m sure a professional photographer could have done better.

In any case, hopefully I’ll begin taking more pictures like this soon!  I’m so lucky!

How’s spring for you?

 

PotW: November 09 to November 15

The statue of Mary at Oura Church in Nagasaki-shi.  My favorite picture from the trip.

Love the colors.

I was just trying to take the picture from a different perspective when I realized that the framing would be pretty excellent.  Luckily, my camera was just wide enough to get everything in without “taking pictures inside the Church,” which was strictly forbidden.  It was a gorgeous, gorgeous day despite being in the middle of November.  I’m glad Christine and I got to visit Glover Garden.

I’d recommend it to anyone coming to Japan.

 

PotW: October 26 to October 31 (Happy Halloween!)

From all my kids here in Japan:

The all important peace sign in pictures, even when one is a Mummy.

Had a Halloween week.  Taught plenty of Halloween lessons (“Wrap the Mummy,” “Halloween Comics” in which one fills in the dialogue of some comics, “Halloween Haikus,” “Halloween Spelling,” etc.).  I even impressed teachers with my knowledge of Halloween and where it comes from.  (I [heart] the Celts.)

While this tired out my fellow Iki ALTs, I enjoyed it.  I love Halloween, and I got to plan active lessons that encouraged student’s creativity instead of just knowledge.  It would have been better if I didn’t have my cold, but it was still tons of fun.  The kids were very genki, of course, they always are, but it’s always a good sign when, at the end of the lesson they say “Sensei, sugei!” (Teacher, that was really cool!)

Mom, they loved the eyeball candies.  Seriously.  Whenever I handed them out I got lots of “Whoa!”s and “Sugei!”s.  They all played with them–even the teachers!  I really appreciate your efforts in this area.  Not quite sure what I’ll do for Christmas, cookies for all my schools would be too expensive, but we’ll see what happens!

So yes, Happy Halloween, everyone!  Don’t eat too much candy

 

PotW — August 31 to September 20

Ok, I know it’s more like three weeks.  BUT instead of giving you three photos, I’m giving you a video, which is more like 8000 pictures, anyway.  (Ok, that might be overestimating, but whatever.)

Better titled “What ALTs do when they’re really, really bored.  And silly.”

Pretty usual karaoke until about a minute in.  I encourage you to make it that far.