The only sounds as I approached were the flags thrashing and the poles clattering in the strong winter wind. I recognised the middle flag. Red on white, the land of the rising sun, Japan. But the neighbouring flags I didn't know. A prefecture flag and a school flag? A town flag, a region flag? Usually there are no flags, but it was graduation day at the elementary school. Another ceremony began. Another 'I don't know what the hell is going on'. Another (poor) attempt at communicating with the parents. Another 'get up on stage and sing with the teachers. Oh, and here's the song sheet (in Japanese)'. Another day when I am totally out of my element, but somehow, appreciating that it's okay to be.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
OUT OF MY ELEMENT
The only sounds as I approached were the flags thrashing and the poles clattering in the strong winter wind. I recognised the middle flag. Red on white, the land of the rising sun, Japan. But the neighbouring flags I didn't know. A prefecture flag and a school flag? A town flag, a region flag? Usually there are no flags, but it was graduation day at the elementary school. Another ceremony began. Another 'I don't know what the hell is going on'. Another (poor) attempt at communicating with the parents. Another 'get up on stage and sing with the teachers. Oh, and here's the song sheet (in Japanese)'. Another day when I am totally out of my element, but somehow, appreciating that it's okay to be.
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