Chillin' with the Chilluns

I was informed that today is the last day I will be teaching grades 1-4, at least at one of my schools. This saddened me greatly, as no one is so easily entertained or so enthusiastic to participate as a tiny Japanese child presented with a foreigner. So it goes without saying that I was determined to enjoy my time with them to the fullest, and fortunately that included eating lunch with them. They started the experience off with a bang, all showing up with hot pink mouths thanks to a plaque test they'd had earlier. And it only got better, I assure you.

I had thought I'd gotten used to the little "surprises" that sometimes show up in Japanese lunches, but it turns out I haven't earned that distinction quite yet. For dessert today we had a bowl of yogurt mixed with mandarin oranges and small, clear cubes of what looked like gelatin. I discovered it most certainly was not gelatin when I tried to chew it and was unsuccessful the first, second, and third tries. I soon realized the kids had never encountered it before either, when I noticed dozens of Barbie-pink mouths framed in grimaces as the kids tried valiantly to divide the tough cubes with their front teeth--rookie mistake--while also preventing yogurt and fruit juices from escaping their busy mouths. It looked as though their lips were all bobbing up and down to the same music--once, twice, four times, until finally! Sweet relief, and another spoonful.

It was one of the most delightfully awkward scenes I've ever witnessed, and I laughed out loud until several children turned their neon bright pouts towards me and asked, "What are you laughing at?"

What indeed.