Monday, November 10, 2008

Question/Answer time with Dana-san

When I give my self-introduction at different elementary schools, it's almost always followed by a Q & A session.

I get all kinds of questions. Once in a while a brave student will attempt to ask a question in English, but most are asked in Japanese and translated by the English teacher.

Below are a few of my favorites. These are not the normal questions such as: "Do you like dogs?" or "Do you like Japanese food?" or "What sport do you like?" The ones below are more off-the-wall. My actual answers are in bold, and my thoughts about the question are in italics. Enjoy....

* * *

Q: Who of your family is more interesting?

A: First, let me correct the question. I am an English teacher, after all. You mean, "Who in your family is the most interesting?" Second, what kind of question is that!? How do I answer this? Oooh, I know. I'll answer Mr. Rogers' style...

All of my family members are different and special in their own way. :)

* * *

Q: Do you have a boyfriend?
*giggle*giggle*


A: Ah, the boyfriend question. Usually I get this from curious junior high school students, and here's what I tell them...

I have three. (Pause for effect and smile at the confused faces.) My dad and two grandpas. :)


* * *

Q: Do you know
(some long Japanese name said really fast)?


A: Say what!? (Look at teacher for help.) Teacher responds: "Famous Japanese rock star." Oh, that explains it. No, I do not know of any famous Japanese rock stars. Sorry. Oh, wait, I know of Yoko Ono, and she was married to John Lennon, a famous rock star. Does that count? :)

* * *

Q: Do you know the Statue of Liberty?

A: Whoa. This kid is in first grade, and he just asked me this in English!! Impressive. The real question, buddy, is how do YOU know the Statue of Liberty?!? Yes, I do. I saw the Statue of Liberty when I went to New York a long time ago.

* * *


Q: Do you have friends in Jamaica?

A: Now that's random! No (mon), I do not have any friends in Jamaica. That'd be cool, though! We'd be jammin'. :)

Teacher to class: Please ask Dana-san normal questions. (haha)

* * *

And now, dear reader, I have a random question for you...

Do you like tofu? And there's a follow-up question. If yes, how do you like it prepared?

Tofu is so cheap and healthy, but not very tasty by itself. I'm looking for some good tofu recipes. If you have a good one (I'm guessing the majority of you don't, and that's okay), please share it with me. Thanks!

4 comments:

Wendy City said...

Hey lady!

First of all, those questions are toooo cute. For some reason they always ask me how old I am here. I guess in Korea it's one of those questions that you ask (along with what's your name? and are you married?)

Secondly, I am a tofu queen...and lucky for me there is plenty of it here!

One of my FAVORITE things to do is prepare vegetable stew. Just buy a bunch of veggies (your choice!) and throw them in a pot of boiling water (add some enoki mushrooms or another variety - yum!).

Add spices to your liking (chili pepper is GREAT, as is any pre-prepared veggie broth) and a dash of salt.

As for the tofu, I add it along with the vegetables. cut it in 1x1 inch squares and you're all set.


David and I also like to cook tofu on the stove like you would shrimp or pancakes. Just cook it evenly for 5-10 minutes.

For flavor we like to prepare some soy sauce with sesame seeds and freshly chopped chile peppers. We just dip it :)

Ariel T said...

Oh I really love Tofu, especially those prepared by my mom. Reminds me that I haven't had Tofu since I came to United States, and probably won't have any while here! :(
If I'm not wrong, you can eat it raw. I think so... :)

Anonymous said...

Daaayna,
I can't believe that I am the third person to comment again. :( oh well. Those questions made me laugh...Oh the things kids come up with.
As for tofu I have never had it. One of my goals when I come to Japan is to try some!
Have a great day! Love you!

Stacie Ruth said...

Loved the post!

Love,
Stacie and Carrie