Monticello in Kyoto?!

Recently I've had some trouble conjuring up an interesting and engaging English flier-post for the AET board outside the main office here. Thankfully I got past that block when it dawned on me: there's really no reason I should have such trouble pulling something fun out of thin air, although this can seem a daunting task for the first year teacher, as I've found. Instead of thinking about what I would imagine being posted by another AET, or picturing what Cindy would do, I've realized that I need only to put on display some passion of mine or personal topic of interest. How much better can I teach English when the subject matter is the most interesting in the world to me!? A whole lot. That's the answer!

So, I just completed a brief 4-page flier-post on the destination that I've been dreaming about visiting through these unnaturally cold days leading into spring. Monticello! Strolling around the grounds, surveying the tulips and vegetable gardens as if they were my own, is a favorite memory of a few springs back when Carly and I made a day trip of it. I mean, who better to indoctrinate in the great genius of Mr. Thomas Jefferson than young Japanese pupils who are eager to learn about American culture? I even explained the roots of Jefferson's architectural inspiration, which gave birth to the Rotunda as well as Monticello, in the principals and writings of Andrea Palladio. Maybe a little advanced. I hope someone reads it...

I've also turned upon my senior high ESS group (English speaking society) to convince them of the rewards of an education at the University of Virginia. I'm thinking about having the admissions office send over about 100 admissions prospectuses to Rakuhoku high school so I can canvass the senior high student body. How awesome would that be!!!??? For now, I'm just warming them up to the idea.


In other news, it was snowing this morning in Kyoto. yay. not. Mount Hiei was covered with a light dusting of the white stuff, but it won't last long. Spring is around the corner.