a bit of small town life

Today I got a flat tire in the middle of a 45 minute bike ride to work. I didn't have class first period so it wasn't a big problem to walk the rest of the way. Eventually, the vice principal called my cell phone to ask if I was OK when I didn't show up for the morning meeting at 8:15. I told him 'panku o shimashita' (I got a flat tire) and he assured me to take my time and that we'll take care of my tire when I arrive at school. As soon as I showed up he was on his way to figuring out how to repair my bike. An older man on a scooter came to look at the situation and recommended that I change both tires for a charge of 5,000 yen ($50). This is something that I've got to do eventually and have been putting off for some time but I saw no need to pay that amount for a task that I can easily do myself. My mind was able to filter out the bike mechanic's slurred colloquialisms enough to understand my options and I assured him that all I needed was a patch and that I could replace the tires later. The man was soon back on his scooter and I was teaching 7th graders about Christmas traditions in North America. The vice principal was again on his chair in the staff room, content that we resolved the problem and that I was once again with a working method of transportation.


This past week has been full of appreciation for my small town life. I can say from experience that it's during situations where I need help from others when I truly feel the generosity of my neighbors and coworkers. This appreciation has come to me at an interesting time when I'm about to, for the sixth time since I've moved here, leave my home in Shikoku for weeks on end. My mind feels clear and ready to take on more of the unknown in a new part of Asia, though it comforts me to know as well that I will soon return to my small town with the coworkers and students that I know so well and that, as long as I am here, there will be a hot tray of curry and rice waiting for me when lunchtime comes around.