Going to English Camp

As I write this post I am riding on a bus to help staff at an English Camp. For the next three days I will be helping Japanese high schoolers to improve their English.

The camp is being hosted out in the countryside, about 5 hrs. from Tokyo by bus. We left early in the morning and should arrive sometime in the early afternoon. In order to make the most of our time, the school is having us start teaching shortly after arriving.

During the pre-camp meetings I was told that the students level would be very basic. I got the impression that they were just starting their English studies and were unable to carry on a real conversation. From the few girls I've spoken to so far this does not seem to be the case. It may be that the girls introduced themselves are the most confident of the group and that the rest are at a lower level.

When I walked on to the bus, I got a taste of what it must be like to be a celebrity. Everyone was eager for my attention and were delighted with everything I said. The gushed with pleasure whenever I was able to understand them and answer back. I can see why people get addicted to fame and popularity.

Since I don't have internet while I write it, this post has been time delayed.