【講師コラム】メル講師 No.14～My Dream of Exploring the Beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun～

“It is always darkest before the dawn.” I have posted this quote on my wall sometime last month… It is to constantly remind myself that no matter how awful things are now, the sun will surely come up, soon, and things will start to get better again, that there is always HOPE…

Anyway, hello, hello, Mommies and Daddies!!! Happy Friday!!! How are you doing these days?.. Schools are having their summer break, so I can imagine that many of you are busier with the kids just staying home all day long… And with the surge in the number of covid-19 daily new cases, we cannot really go somewhere for a vacation… It really is sooooooo frustrating! Especially if you can only go back to your hometown to see you parents during your children’s summer vacation… Oh, and there’s Tokyo Olympics… Many were disheartened when they learned that they could not watch the Olympics in person… When it was announced that the 2020 Olympics will be help in Tokyo, Japan, many were extremely excited as they were sure that it was going to be one of the most amazing, colorful and memorable in the history of Olympics…

I and my family, on the other hand, cannot even go to a restaurant to eat together as those who are below 18 are not allowed to go out… I really want to go even just on a 2 days trip with my family… I want to go somewhere close to the nature where we can swim and camp (sigh)… How about you, Mommies and Daddies, where would you like to go with your family?..

              Oooops!!! Speaking of going somewhere and travelling, I would like to talk about the places that I would love to visit and the foods that I am dying to try if ever I would be given the chance to visit Japan… To be honest, I have not travelled abroad yet… It really isn’t so common for many Filipinos to travel to another country when they have long vacation… It is kind of a big luxury for many Filipinos… But since I love reading, I learned so many things about different countries around the world… I have always wanted to visit Japan, long before I started teaching English online for Japanese students…  And I am certain that Japan is on the bucket list of each person who love to travel.

              Allow to talk first about the places that I would like to see in the place called “The Land of the Rising Sun… I am not good at remembering names of places, but there are these places in Japan that really captured my interest and curiosity… One of them is Chubu-Sangaku National Park and the Japanese Alps… I love the nature and this place’s natural beauty is really amazing, I think… I’d also love to visit Tokyo!  They say that Tokyo has it all. It has all sorts of excellent and corky museums, grand temples, atmospheric shrines, and lovely Zen gardens. It is a city filled with Japanese history, but also modern, futuristic neo-sci-fi streetscapes cafes… Oh, I really want to have a picture of myself next to Hachiko’s statue and while crossing the famous Shibuya Crossing… I’d like to visit various stationery shops, too! I love collecting stationery goods!

             Hokkaido is on my list, too… As you already know, I live in a tropical country, so I have never experienced winter in my whole life… I would really love to experience the snow falling on my face… I want to make a lovely snowman and experience doing a snowball fight… I’ve heard that the Snow Festival in Sapporo is really amazingly beautiful, I hope that I would get to see it someday… I have also heard that ramen and seafood in Hokkaido are really delectable… Hopefully, I would get to taste them one day…

              Amusement parks never fail to make me feel thrilled! So, I would also like to go to Chiba to experience the magical world of Disneyland and Disney Sea… I really want to get Disneyland’s popcorn buckets, they are extremely cute… Oh, and I would like to visit Universal Studio Japan in Osaka… I’d like to see Harry Potter’s attraction and buy a wand!!!

              I can’t explain why, but one of my dreams is to go apple picking… That’s why I would like to go to Nagano as well… I forgot the name of the island, but it would be great if I could also visit this island where there are soooooo many cats… I wasn’t a cat person, but I have recently started liking them a lot after I adopted a kitten who was always following me around every time I was feeding the stray dogs in our neighborhood… They really are so sweet and smart just like dogs…

               They say travelling to Japan won’t be complete without exploring Kyoto’s fine old streets and architecture… I super want to wear a gorgeous kimono while walking around some historical places in Kyoto, and of course, with a dainty and beautiful bamboo umbrella in my hand… I want to have my picture wearing one under the magnificent cherry blossom tree… I am hoping to see those majestic castles and shrines in Kyoto and explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

               Japan is known for its rich, unique and colorful culture. It is amazing how Japanese people work together and do their best to preserve those historical places and structures. I hope that I would get to visit all the castles and shrines in Japan someday. But, aside from being popular for its beauty and uniqueness, Japan is also popular among foreigners for its healthy and incredibly yummy foods. I love, love, love, love eating. And, there are too many foods that I am dying to try if I would be visiting Japan. I would love to eat authentic Japanese Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki… Oh, Ramen!!! I would definitely never forget to go and eat ramen at a famous ramen shop in Japan. I just hope that it isn’t so expensive… Sushi is probably the most popular food in Japan. I really am not sure if I can eat raw fish, but I would love to try sushi, too. And, one more thing that I would not forget is to visit Japan’s bakeries. I am always in awe every time I see Japanese cakes, bread and different kinds of pastries on TV or magazines… They look sooooooo beautiful and delicious. I would buy a lot of ampan!!! Mommy Kayo sent me some many times already, and we absolutely loved it… And, I would be buying a lot of Aji Nori… I super duper love it…

               There are actually so many places in Japan that I am dreaming of visiting someday, and too many foods that I am excited to try if given the chance… Ah… It would take me forever if I would include all of them in this entry… But I would like to say that anywhere is Japan would be spectacular, and any kind of food would be very, very special for me if I would be able to see you all when I go there… I would go to Nagoya first so I can finally see Mommy Kayo and her family again… And, It is my ultimate dream to see all my students with you, Mommies and Daddies… I’d like to have a party or go to an English camp with you all… I’d love to eat, talk, play and laugh with you all… Who knows they might come true one day… (I am keeping my fingers crossed!)

               Thank you so very, very much again for taking time to read my long entry, Mommies and Daddies… Thank you for your continuous support to Englishbuds… Thank you always, Mommy Kayo… Thank you for all your trust and understanding…

               Although things are not yet alright, I am happy that you are all safe and healthy… Let us always be positive and hopeful… Let us be more appreciative and kinder, and don’t forget to breathe and live with a grateful heart… Thank you again, Mommies and Daddies… Till next time!!!