ALT in Shimosuwa, Japan: Making sushi rolls

So today I went with my school's head English teacher, Ms. Fujimori, to Suwa city (about two towns over I guess?) to make sushi rolls. The event was hosted by the English community of Suwa city, and unfortunately there were only two of us foreigners, me and a guy named Thomas who works at a JHS in Chino (another town further south of the lake, towards Tokyo). Anyway, there were about 5-8 people running it, a few of which I met before, and I think maybe 10 or so participants who came. There were a couple 4th grade elementary school students, who were bigger than some of my 7th graders!! :P One of them was really silly and refused to shake my hand, so I tried a high-five, but he kept faking me out. Haha. I finally got him, though. ;)

A sushi chef from a restaurant in Suwa city showed us how to make the sushi before we were let loose to do it ourselves. The sushi rolls were in the shape of Anpanman, a famous Japanese character with a red bean bun for a head. They were made from seaweed, rice, carrots, fried egg, sliced gourd (whatever that is, it was very tasty), and rice mixed with processed fish. They were very tasty!! I think I did okay on mine. I've made California rolls back home before, so I've had a bit of practice. The hardest part is the cutting, because you have to be quick and efficient. Haha. Everyone in my group said I was good at it... I don't know though. <_< Oh well, it was really fun, and I'm glad I went, especially since they only had one other foreigner there, and the whole point was for the participants to speak English while cooking!

Well, my summer break has just started and already I've gotten to do some fun things, like this and the taiko festival. But there is so much more coming up! Tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, my town is having its big summer festival, "Ofune Matsuri" (Boat Festival), so I'm going to that at least tomorrow. Maybe the next day, I'm not sure. So festivals the next three days. :) I'll be blogging again really soon!