Big ALT seminar/reunion

The last two days I've been in Niigata for a Mid-year ALT seminar. Every ALT in Niigata had to attend, along with a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) from one of their schools. I was a bit special because I had a JTE from Tokamachi Koko (Mizasawa-sensei) and one from Tsunan Koko (Ikarashi-sensei). It started with some talks from the Niigata Board of Education. The main purpose of the seminar was the workshops. In these workshops second-year ALTs would focus on an aspect of teaching English and try to pass on their experiences. I came away from most of the workshops with some good ideas that hopefully I'll get to use in the classroom later.

Of course, with such a big gathering of ALTs it was obvious that a party would be organised somewhere. It was held at Shame in Bandai around 9pm. Being a bit late in the evening, most of us met at a nearby izakaiya beforehand for a nomihodai, just to make sure we were warmed-up. I, rather foolishly, begain drinking lager with g&t chasers so I don't remember much after the nomihodai. I remember taking photos but I haven't been brave enough to look at them yet.

So the seminar was good, the party was good (I think) and as a bonus I managed to find some snow gear. Today after the seminar finished I went to the Niigata branch of Xebio and within two hours I managed to find a jacket, combats, gloves and a hat. Altogether it cost me less than 40,000 yen (｣200) so I was pretty chuffed. Now I'm all excited for teh weekend. I'm going to Matsudai ski slope with Debs, Neil and Annie and Neil is going to teach the rest of us how to snowboard. After spending so much time and money buying all the gear, I can't wait to start using it!