Afros…and Ginza

Hey everyone! It’s been a while again! I guess that’s a good sign, shows how busy I have been!

I can’t believe it’s already February! I’ve quickly settled back into my routine. Work has been hectic because my boss has been busy elsewhere, so I’ve been left pretty much in charge.

I’ve mentioned before about one of my difficult classes. It’s 2nd thing on a Monday so not a great start to the week. One boy R has been really acting up- refusing to speech English, pick up a pencil or participate in games. He ignored me completely and wound up the other kids to the point it was impossible to teach. Unfortunately, as I’ve mentioned before, discipline in Japanese schools has pretty much disappeared. My boss had quiet words with said boy on a number of occasions, but nothing was working. Finally she called his father. I hoped that would improve things, but nothing changed. After a particularly stressful lesson, I finally broke down. My boss was pretty shocked (she thinks I’m pretty mature and calm) but I think it finally made her realise how bad the situation was. Thankfully she called the parent again and they agreed he should leave the school. I felt bad, but it was clear the boy didn’t want to study English. I had been trying different techniques for 6 months, and finally I had to give in. It was a depressing thing, but I had to put myself first, and also the other students in the class who were suffering from his antics.

Last weekend was United’s (the foreigner bar in Ota) 3rd anniversary, so they had a themed night to celebrate. The theme was afros, so I picked up a kinda cute one up in Donki.

I met my friend Ayako beforehand, and we went to a lovely Izakaya. They are like the Japanese versions of “pubs” expect much more refined. Very traditional, decked out in tamami mats and low tables. This Izakaya was one of the most beautiful I had visited. I arrived later, and they had ordered lots of amazing food. I wish I hadn’t eaten dinner before I had went! I only tried a few things, but they were so delicious! I had sashimi and oyster.

Japanese feast!

I was given a black afro so we could all take a group photo- it was pretty funny.

All dem Afros!

Then we moved onto United bar, which was the busiest I’d ever seen it! Everyone was wearing afros which was a great talking point! I got talking to lots of new people, which is the great thing about these types of bars, as most people can speak some level of English! There was live music too, which was good.

After midnight, it was officially Sestubun, a New Year tradition in Japan where you throw beans to get rid of demons. So we all traipsed outside, still wearing afros and each received a handful of beans. It was so cold, and the famous Gunma wind was blowing. Some poor guy put on the oni (demon) mask and we all threw beans at him. It was one of those really surreal and authentic Japanese moments that make me love this culture even more!

After we had outstayed everyone else, the plan was to hit karaoke, but it was so cold and too far to walk. Instead we ended up in an Izakaya near the station. I could tell the guy working there wasn’t too impressed by all us drunken gaijin! Still we had a good time, and finally called it a night around half 3 and got a taxi home.

I had to loli up my afro!

I woke up with a cold, but luckily I brought back so much medicine from home, so I was only under the weather for a few days. There has been a lot of cold and flu going about, so a few students have been absent.

This weekend I got to head back to Tokyo. It was one of my Lolita friend A’s birthday, so we headed to Ginza, the really upper class part of town. I managed to get there with time to spare which was a first! I also got to wear Cinema doll for the first time in public, which made me super happy.

We went to Laudree, the famous Parisian patisserie. We had a table reserved in the restaurant, which was beautiful, the perfect place for ladies who lunch! The menu was so extensive, but because we had booked a table, we had to have a certain set including lunch, desert and tea. It worked out good value for what we were getting. I had pork to begin with, which was the nicest I’ve had in Japan. Then the best part- I had a rose flavoured macaroon with raspberries. It was literally bursting with flavour and so beautiful! The rose and fruit tea complimented it perfectly. I don’t think my taste buds have ever been so happy before!

One of the rare occasions something tasted as good as it looked!

After we finished, we went to the Sony Building, which was massive and full of tech. They had the biggest TV I’ve ever seen! There was also a beautiful camera on half price sale, with Mt Fuji engraved! Even though my camera is new and perfectly good, I wanted it too! My friend Mi gave in and got one in pink!

Next we headed to Harajuku to take some Puri and wander about the shops. I got some accessories from closet child to go with Sweetie Chandelier, but unfortunately no blouse!

New Lolita skirt!

All the walking and shopping made us hungry again, so we stopped for some pancakes and tea. Unfortunately after Laudree I’m going to compare every tea to that amazing one I had there!

For some reason my journey home took ages- ended up taking four trains which was a nightmare. I was so tired when I got home, so happy to have a bath and get to bed!

I love that we’re all wearing Angelic Pretty!

I managed to find hair extensions that match my colour perfectly! So much easier than trying to cram my long hair under a wig. The only problem is they are really heavy and start to hurt after a while!

It’s a national holiday here so I’ve got Monday off, which is always a great start to the week! Next month I’m heading to my first Anime con, so I’m sure I’ll have lots to talk about!