October 28, 2007

Getting Off Campus

I was told by a fellow staff member that life at TCIS is exceptionally busy during the month of October. So far this is holding true for me because I’ve been more than busy with teaching, tech coordinator responsibilities, helping at student choir practices and concerts, attending master plan committee meetings and working on final requirements for a thesis. I really don't see my schedule slowing down any as I also agreed to teach ESL to primary kids from the community next month after school. No time to get in trouble!

Every once in awhile when the schedule permits, I am able to venture off campus and visit other staff in their homes or try different restaurants in the city. So when a co-worker last week suggested we spice things up a bit and try a formal Japanese restaurant, I jumped at the opportunity. Apparently this Japanese restaurant offers only one meal all day - half price during lunch hours! Quick like a bunny we logged off our computers and headed out the door.

Upon our arrival we were ushered into a private dining room where we took off our shoes and sat on floor cushions at this over-sized low-lying table. Then the parade of food started. I took these pictures thinking the waitress had finished bringing the food to the table but Jin informed me that “more was coming”. Unbelievable.

Seriously, I counted over 20 different foods when all was said and done. I don’t remember the names of most dishes but we experienced just about everything from the ocean -- some of which included octopus, squid, spiced-up raw fish, sushi, almond paste, pickled garlic and (my favorite) shrimp tempura. Once again, the price was right at $10... which also included the Japanese hostess wanting to hold my hand as she walked with me out of the restaurant =)