Thursday, December 2, 2010

Etiquette

In the next class we will talk about etiquette/manners. Please choose ONE question from below and answer in the comments.
1. Look at the photo of the New York City subway above. Choose a number and tell us what the person is doing wrong. Is it the same for Tokyo subways?
2. In Japan, what topics are NOT ok to talk about with strangers?
3. What etiquette is important for eating in Japan?

Friday, November 26, 2010

Shopping

Great job at Gaigosai everybody! I had a super fun time! Next class we will be talking about shopping. Please answer one of the questions below.
1. Where do you usually go shopping for food and clothes?
2. What stores usually have good sales?
3. How do you usually pay for things? Cash? Check? Credit card? Debit card? Why?
4. Have you ever haggled with someone to get a bargain or a cheaper price? Where/when?

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Sports and Games

Do you like playing sports or games? Have a look at the Wikipedia site for GAMES or SPORTS and tell us something interesting you find. Or tell us about your favorite sport or game.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Meal Times

Let's talk about the way we eat in Japan and other countries as well. Choose one of the questions below and write a comment.
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1. Did you know American and European eating styles are a little different? Watch this VIDEO and tell us what you think is different.
2. Do you know the correct way to eat in a sushi restaurant? Watch this VIDEO and tell us your reaction.
3. Watch this VIDEO about eating in China. What did you learn?
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Sunday, October 24, 2010

Medical Matters


When someone in my family got sick, my grandmother would make her "voodoo tea" and make us drink it. Amazingly, it could cure just about anything and didn't taste too bad!
Here's the recipe:

2 cloves of garlic
one thumb-sized piece of ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Chop the garlic and ginger and boil in water with the red & black pepper for 20 minutes. Pour into a mug and add the honey and lemon. Drink slowly.

What traditional ways do you know about for getting/staying healthy? Please write them in the comments!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Street Food

Street food is eating at cafes or food stalls outside, usually on the side of a road. First, please watch this VIDEO about street food in Istanbul, Turkey. Second, write your reaction to the video in the comments. Third, choose ONE question and answer in the comments.

1. Do you ever eat street food in Japan? What is your favorite?

2. Have you ever tried street food in another country? What was it like?

3. Do you not like street food? Why not?

4. Have you never tried street food? What would you like to try?

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Childhood



Next class we will talk about our childhoods. Think about all of the questions below and answer only ONE of them in the comments.

1. What is your first memory?

2. What was your favorite toy?

3. Do you remember your first day at school?

4. What was your first house like?

5. Who was your first friend?

6. What were your favorite games?

7. Do you remember any advice your parents gave you?

8. What were you afraid of when you were a child?
Remember: NO CLASS ON OCTOBER 11th!!
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