Fact: World's Longest Suspension Bridge

Like you, I am largely uninterested by these kinds of statistics. But I'm going through a bit of a dry spell in terms of photos, and it's better than nothing I think.
So this is Akashi bridge, and is most likely the destination of my next excursion. I hear there's some kind of observatory in the middle of the bridge that affords some pretty awesome views, so it might be cool to check out.

Things are going great here in Japan despite my constant training and inability to fully settle in- there are still parts of the job that I stress about, as I'm always learning new things and gaining new responsibility. This is of course better than the alternative of me being bored out of my mind, but I look forward to the day that I'm relaxed and comfortable with everything. Hope it comes soon!

Tuesday saw my first official Japanese lesson! Armed with a brief and somewhat generic physical description, I set off to Kobe (Sannomiya) Station in search of Misako, my as of then unfamiliar Japanese teacher. After waiting outside the ticket gates for 10 minutes or so, constantly checking at my watch, I looked over and noticed a woman looking almost as out of place as me. We pointed at each other and right away started laughing. After some smiley introductions we went over to a nearby cafe, where we chatted for several hours over mini tomato sandwiches and chocolate croissants, and "hammered out" the details of our language exchange. I'm very excited for our next meeting, which is scheduled for next week.

I best be off. Hope you're doing great, and I hope to hear from you! Thanks again to all those who've responded, and preemptive thanks to those who plan to.

Barbecue... Nova Style!

Yes, I was barbecuing in wool dress pants. Not looking forward to dry cleaning them, but unless I want to smell like beef for my students...


Starting from left: Ken (USA/JPN) (another Okubo worker), Rina, Emi, Natsuko (my most excellent manager... she has many talents including the ability to fit her whole hand in her mouth!) and Steve (UK) on the far right (an ex Nova-er).


Stephanie (CAN) and Chris (USA), two fellow workers at my branch in Okubo. Steph and I get along really well, so I'm quite sad that she's going back to Canada soon!


Hosted by our most gracious co-worker Alan and his wife, this Nova Barbecue was a success! The photos are less than perfect and I apologize for that- after taking just two, the other teachers started calling me "Dad", forcing me to put away my camera.

Bell of Benevolence

Yes, I got to ring it. It "sounds the hope for world peace".

For my Sifu!

Outside buddhist temple, Mt. Shosha. A praying mantis for my sifu!

Himeji Castle

Me and Luci at Himeji Castle. Luci is from Scotland, and we share the same days off.

Tako!

My first time making tako (octopus). I was excited BEFORE I ate it, anyway... (and afterwards too, I'm only kidding)

Can't Get Enough...

Ramen at one of many local ramen shops. The specialty here is fatty pork. Mmmmm!

A Clean Start

Outside buddhist maniden (temple), Mount Shosha, Himeji.
It is customary to wash your hands before you enter.



It has been one month since I first arrived in Japan. After a long and somewhat idle summer in my beloved Red Deer I have at last found my way to a new life, a new existence in Akashi, not far from Kobe. Dear friends, dear family, this is not to say that I have forgotten any of you. Only that the place I am in is more than a stopping point- it is my home for the next year.

With this home has come a host of new challenges, not the least of which is my job. For the first time in 18 years I am not sitting in a desk with a furled brow that aims to convince my teacher I am completely absorbed by what they're saying. This year, I am the teacher. I create the furled brows. No more cramming, procrastinating, blank staring, or falling asleep at the back of the room. At least on my part. As for my students, well... I can only stay interesting for so long.

Groceries, dry cleaning, video rentals, gym memberships, train passes, bus riding, trip planning- hassles, headaches and chores in even the most familiar of settings. But with a 22-page phrasebook and a heavy accent, my daily activities have become obstacles in a 24 hour, marathon-style course. Though I have yet to encounter a single person who hasn't given me more patience than I perhaps deserve, I have decided that to stay here, I have to learn Japanese. Not a very profound realization, I'll admit- you have my permission to laugh at my naivete in the mean time. I'll warn you though that
I've been practicing my Japanese alphabet (hiragana) every morning on the train with a set of homemade flash cards - I hope to be fluent by next weekend. I'll let you know how well that turns out.

Despite these challenges, however, Japan has been an amazing experience so far. The food and the people, the sights and sounds, but in particular the food, have all been wonderful. This place comes highly recommended from me to you, especially if you want to stay on my tatami.

Hope you all are happy and healthy- I would love to hear just how happy and healthy you are! Feel free to leave comments here on the site, or send me an email for a personal reply. Miss you all, and I'll write again soon.