My visit to Iohjima island was the tipping point in me staying another year. After being surrounded by such beauty and kindness, i was reminded of all the wonderful things that i had experienced in Japan, and have yet to experience.
January 31.
My ferry docks on Iohjima port, and standing on the deck i quickly spot the staff and students of Mashima School. it's not very difficult. They were all playing jimbe drums and dancing. lol...that was very cool of them. i can honestly say i've never had such a fanfare welcome.
Everyone is so friendly and eager to say hello! So carefree and open. And the students are adorable! "My name is Eri!! Sayonara!" I know if this were my placement instead of the city, the novelty would wear thin. I’d be bored a lot of the time, but for the moment I believe I could live here forever. My own personal Eden. I walked the school grounds and I was struck with awe at the billowing volcano floating overtop - Mount Iohjima Dake. A mere shadow compared to mount sakurajima back in Kagoshima City, but its proximity provided an intimacy that sakurajima can’t come close to. So captivated by the volcano I failed to notice right away the peacock meandering around the grounds. A peacock! Surreal! It ran away when it saw me approach and I chased it into a forested area. I quickly lost sight of it, but within minutes of exploring I found a moss covered path with rose petals strewn over it. It lead me into a small clearing where I found several more peacocks. Did you know peacocks can fly? I do now. Well, they only fly short distances, but it’s an amazing sight watching them soar thru the air with their billowing plumage behind them. Sunshine filtering thru the canopy, fluffy white clouds floating by, a traditional shrine, moss, rocks and brilliantly hued petals. I’ve never felt at more peace or been surrounded by such honest beauty.
My JTE (japanese teacher of english) is Imahori sensei. His English is very good. His wife and children are in Kagoshima city. He loves it here, so much so that he is willing to be apart from his family. He tells me he sees them only every two months. It’s so refreshing to meet teachers who are actually happy to be teachers. I met the rest of the staff and parents of students at an enkai they were having for the new superintendent. The atmosphere was also very different from the Higashi enkai. You had a real feeling of camaraderie and high spirits. This is the Japan I wanted.
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