Pipe Organs and Bowling

In nearly every class I taught this week, we had a Christmas party.

The first was a Ladies Party held at one of my student's house (Mika).  She had a really nice, spacious house that was decked out with lots of Christmas decorations.  In one room, she had a Christmas tree and a huge pipe organ.  All 3 ladies have experience playing the organ and Yasuko especially loves playing the organ.  We all encouraged her to jump on and play a few songs.  We gathered around and she played various Christmas carols.  Mika and Junko sang along to the organ.  Listening to the big organ and the ladies sing very classically was definitely like stepping into an old black-and-white Christmas movie, like It's A Wonderful Life.  I couldn't sing along because it was a different sound and style that was really new to me.

Afterward the organ, we sat at the kitchen table, sipped coffee, at a delicious apple crisp Mika made, and talked story.  They were really kind and surprised me with a gift.  Two small gratin bowls.  I don't think I'll ever make gratin, but I know I could use it to try out some other stuff.  It was a thoughtful gift as they know I'm trying to teach myself how to cook.  They're preparing me for the married life!

The rest of the week continued with various kids parties and small talk with the older students.  Each class included lots of junk food, and after doing a vegan fast for two weeks, my tolerance for sweets and junk really went down.  I was really feeling sick for the first several days.

For the high school party, Hiromitsu, Yoko, and I took the teens out for a night of bowling.  It was really fun.  I was amazed once I saw the bowling shoes dispensers!  You just push a button and the shoes pop out at the bottom!  Genius!  By far, the coolest thing of the night.

Asuka going for the split!

Yoko and Riku.

For some of the students, it was their first time bowling.  A few were already very good.  I had a lot of fun and it was nice to spend time with the students outside of a stuffy classroom.  I think we all enjoyed it.  Our first games we were split into two random teams.  The second games we were split according to skill.  I got placed in the more experienced team... and lost.  Riku and Hiromitsu were both very good.

When we were done bowling, we found a pair of Evangelion Bowling Pin costumes.  I wanted Asuka to jump in the red one, but no one seemed to get that joke.  (Get it? Asuka was the pilot of the red Eva.  Get it?)  Riku was happy to try one on though.

Looking good in Eva 02 and Christmas sweater.

At the end of the night, we had a Secret Santa and I got a pair of polar bear snow globe salt and pepper shakers.  Yeah.  It was a good night and I hope to do it again one more time before I leave.