Grand Hamamatsu

... kicking-attack, but something settled in me. I had so much stress that night at the typhoon, and I remember how beating up on these kids, and allowing them to beat up on me, and doing my best to just focus on copying and catching every second or third word, really allowed me to unwind and adjust here.<br><br>I think it's too easy to look for what's familiar when you come to a new place, and do your best to re-create what you've grown accustomed to in ...

... pay more than I should. I tried several types of bandages, but none really felt like they were sticking. After a long day, which included a run, some exercise, work, and not having enough sleep the night before, I decided to just give it a go.<br><br>When I arrived, I already had my bandage on underneath. It needed to cover an area roughly the size of one pectoral (or boob). It wasn't very busy (it doesn't get busy except for when it's senior's discount-day ...

... rarity in Japan I suppose, and did my best on a busted up foot that I've been nursing for two weeks (while on this topic, I recommend to all foreigners in Japan to immediately ask for 'wide' fits when buying new runners; TWO WEEKS...).<br><br>Although it definitely was as bad an experience as I describe it, I think that's what gets people hooked: bragging rights. It's like Robin Williams' stint on how the Scots came up with ...

... br>We ended the night there by going home to get changed, and then straight to our own Yakiniku party. Us being the closest to Toyone, our group has reservations at the local Onsen/Restaurant/Karaoke spot. It was great. Outside, there were three huts with BBQ grates installed around a table. The people brought their oils, vegatables, meats, and various liquors, and we set to having a great party. Of course, everyone wanted to see what I was capable of, so they ...

... high-tailed' it outta there, leaving his hapless victim (not his dinner, mind you...they're herbivores right?) on her own.<br><br>So, having disturbed this lovely display of primal roots, I burst out laughing, feeling awful for having taken part in playing the breakin-father. But heh, if I'm not allowed to have fun, neither are the bloody bunny-rabbits!<br><br>Kinball rocks!<br>

... everything they could in their power to determine whose girlfriend Yoshimi was, and whether she was Japanese or not. We kept playing her as the Chinese-American.<br><br>We had no idea what was coming when a little 8 or 9 year-old girl came tugging at our sleeves that we had to see something. Running up the hill came about twenty or so totally inebriated young fellows, huffing and puffing a chant to give them the final energy required to carry their shrine (and their yellow-topped ...

... and early, so that they can have enough time before their classes to stretch and train for this upcoming Athletic Meet.<br><br>They all participate. Actually, the one person you think would be least likely to succeed in this, is not only the one with the most heart, but is probably the one who has made the most impressive improvements. A moment here for Tatsuya. Wtg man.<br><br>Anyhow, I spent the night before at my English teacher's house in the nearby Shinshiro city (nearby ...

... the Japanese Education system. Think about how much money we spend on paying people to sweep, vacuum, mop, and clean up the messes that Western students haphazardly leave after themselves after eating, emptying out their lockers, or crafting a state-of-the-art spitball machine complete with an endless supply of ammunition. We're messy kids, and we don't even realize it.<br>In Japan, right from the start, they teach these kids the responsibility of cleaning up after themselves ...

Happy Golden Week! I remember this time last year I went home. I can't believe it has been a year since I started working here in Nagoya. We are on Golden Week holidays in Japan at the moment. Golden week is a week of public holidays including Children's Day, Greenery Day, Constitution Day and Emperor's Birthday. The kids had a whole week off, but teachers had to work 2 days. It was nice though to have ...

... and making arrangements to get back to Beijing by plane. Ohhh yeahhh! I can¡¦t wait! I hope everyone is doing well. Thank you for your encouraging emails. Nothing makes me more happy than to get all those, I can¡¦t even tell you. Write whenever you have the chance! Thank you for all the love. I¡¦m sorry it takes me so long to write back. I am crazy busy here and our internet often goes out for days at a time. I will write again when I get back on the ship after this next adventure!