Sometime during my third month here in Japan, I heard about an extremely popular tv drama currently airing here in Japan called: マッサーン (Massan). In Japan, drama is a huge genre in television and is very popular with all ages. Soon after hearing about this I noticed some people that met me or were whispering about me saying something about someone named Ellie. Somehow this "Ellie" had something to do with me. About a week later, I watched an episode with my family and I was very surprised to discover that in this drama one of the two main characters was a foreigner! Her character's name is Ellie. This show is based on the true story of Japan's first whiskey manufacturer Masaharu, or Massan for short, and his Scottish wife Ellie. This is the first time in Japanese history that a foreign actor/actress had ever starred in a tv drama and the characters have become a household name throughout the country. I personally love the show because the entire thing takes places in 1920's Japan, an incredibly unique time in Japan's history, when westernization was first slowly moving into society and yet the old ways of the country still lingered. I also relate to Ellie a great deal. Her character speaks nearly fluent Japanese, but she still has to learn many complicated words and about all of the customs of traditional Japan, which is great because I can learn some with her character! Because of her character's personality, her foreign looks, and her Japanese, the people here have started to relate me to her. One of my Rotarians even calls me Ellie-chan every once in a while! I am honored to be compared to such a loved character her. She inspires me every time I watch. If she could make it back then, so can I! Also my middle name is Elyse which is close to Ellie and that just makes me happy. ε-(´∀`; )
On a different note, the barrier at school has broken. It took a few days shy of five months but it's been done. After speaking with all three of my amazing english teachers, amazing women that inspire me to teach, about making friends with teenagers who are extremely different from the ones back at home, we made a plan and put it in action. Only a few weeks later, I feel better at school than ever. In one week I was asked to hang out four times and a couple weeks ago I went to karaoke and Okonomiyaki with four classmates! I have lunch with a great group everyday who help me speak Japanese. They rock and are beyond adorable. In between classes and during club activities I get to have even more fun with them! I only have about one more month with my class, so I try to talk to everyone a lot each day! It sure ain't easy but I SHALL KEEP TRYING!
Last things I'd like to cover: my current family and the Okayama rotary meeting. My host family has three kids, their grandmother and grandfather living with us. They are all pretty great. The oldest daughter is an absolute sweetheart. She helps me with homework, taught me how to make valentines chocolate, and enjoys showing me off to her friends. She's eleven and I love her! The other two boys are nine and four. The older is nice but my littlest host brother is definitely a trouble maker. He enjoys calling me an idiot, hitting me, and throwing things at me but he's getting better! I love kids and usually get along with them extremely well, because I am one, so I suppose it's about time I had a challenge. My host grandparents are awesome. They like to take me places and buy me matcha ice cream balls and they are extremely healthy! Though most Japanese people are I suppose. Overall, current host family: good!
Lastly, THE MEETING IN OKAYAMA WAS FLIPPING FANTASTIC! It blows my mind how in two days people who have never met can become so close. I absolutely can't wait to see the all again!!
Okay. There you go. A general summary for month five/six. At the moment of writing this I am on a bus that is absolutely silent and smells like bananas. Also I'm stuffing my face with homemade Valentine's Day chocolate. (Everyone traded treats at school today and I was not expecting to receive this much!) I think after finishing all of these I should probably consider a career as a sumo wrestler. Anyway until next time, HOODIE MONKS FOREVER! (Don't ask)