Kimiya Adjedani
October 24, 2023
Last day at school!
It is hard to believe that today was my last day at Suito and that I will be leaving Japan shortly. These past two weeks were such a whirlwind – filled with many adventures, school/teaching experiences, and final university assignments.
Over the past two weeks I was able to take trips to Amanohashidate, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, as well as Kaiyukan (Osaka’s aquarium). Amanohashidate is the northern region of Kyoto with beautiful mountains and a lovely lake. I took a table car to the top of the mountains where I was able to watch the sunset over the lake and witnessed a traditional Japanese dance. I spent one day exploring both Miyajima and Hiroshima. In Miyajima I saw the Grand Torii gates, spent some time with the deer that roamed the island, as well as shopping at local stores. After eating lunch in Miyajima, I made my way over to Hiroshima. In Hiroshima I walked around the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park prior to going to the Peace Memorial Museum. Although this experience was heavy, it was one that I am grateful I got to experience. Hiroshima is a beautiful and bustling city with so much to offer, I wish I was able to spend more time here. Lastly on my list of activities, I spent an evening after school at Kaiyukan. It was amazing to see the whale sharks alongside the other aquatic life here. After the aquarium I walked over to a local okonomiyaki store and tried Osaka’s food dish for the first time – it was delicious!
At Suito, the past two weeks were just as adventurous. I tried Japanese Calligraphy for the first time, taught some teachers how to carve a pumpkin, as well as receiving a secret decoded message from my grade 9 math students (which I have yet to solve). I am feeling quite sad to be leaving the school, the staff and students were so lovely during my two months here. It has not quite yet hit me that I will be returning to Calgary. I know once it sinks in, I will be excited to see loved ones back home as well as take on a new experience taking part in my Field III practicum.
I know I have said this, but I will say it again, I cannot believe today was my last day! Hopefully, I will be able to come and visit soon.