Living in a small town and teaching at every elementary school, of course I ran into my students from time to time. And it's like a Bigfoot sighting. Or Elvis. I'd often hear a hushed “Sensei!” and look up to see a student and their family.

I was at the grocery store one day and I hear “Sensei!!” One of my students appears with his mother. He is practically dragging her along to meet me! He tugs her along to me and this poor woman is beet red. Just embarrassed as hell.

He tugs her arm and says “Hello! My name is Okaasan! Saaaaaaan Hai!!” That was so freakin cute. Say “Hello! My name is Mom! Reaaaaddyyyyyyy GO!!!” He said it with such intensity. The look on her face is like “I just came for a loaf of bread I don't need an English lesson, pleeeease.”

So I just smiled and bowed and said “Konnichiwa” and they were on their way.

I go into greater detail about Genki Sushi in another story. But, suffice to say, it was affordable and popular. The freshest and most delicious sushi ever. So fresh sometimes the rice was still warm. Absolute Sushi heaven for an American.

Sure enough, one evening I hear “Sensei!” and here's one of my students. At that point in the lesson we were covering “I like” and “I don't like.” So I smiled, waved and said “Hello!” and he sheepishly returned my greeting. I said “I like sushi!” He was just so awkward and confused seeing me outside of school. Every time the kid would have eyes big as saucers. “Sensei!”



I had never had kimchee before Japan and holy hell is it delicious. I love cabbage, I enjoy spice and pickled things. I'd often order a side of kimchee if it was on the menu. Anyhow, I was at this restaurant in the neighborhood I'd passed by many times before but never stopped in. This was the day before they were coming to take Buster away.

Anyhow, they served these huge rice bowls topped with meat and stuff. Of course, I got a side of kimchee. The bowl was very hearty and delicious. I'm munching away at my beef and rice bowl and I hear "Sensei!" and here's one of my students.

My heart aching. My kids. I'm never going to see them again. I softly smiled and waved. "Hello!" for the last time.