Leaving work wasnt half as difficult as leaving my house although I have to say that once one gets into packing and cleaning mode, its often easier as you just want to get it over with and the job done!!  Still....it wasnt easy.

So since I left work Katie and I have been busy packing boxes and sorting out things and cleaning up the house, fridge and cupboards.  Anyone who had been our way recently managed to score all kinds of bits and pieces to add to their kitchen or garden (!?) Fortunately the house has been kept quite clean although there was an awful amount of things to take to the recycling centre in the form of clothes, cardboard and paper.  One has to be enivronmental as possible! We had our good friend Fumie about on Saturday and she helped us first to take this stuff to the recycle centre, and then take Katies bags to Nagoya where she is semi residing over the next month between travelling.  Then we had some burgers (patties) and rice and then took off to do some local siteseeing around Nishin.  This proved to be an extremely pleasant thing to do and gave me  a whole different perspective on our local town!

First we went out to Toyota George which is about 20 minutes out of town past the stadium. It’s in a mountainous area which has a lovely stream running through some enormous boulders that have fallen into the natural gorge. It was leafy, mossy and very cool. There was a walking part on both sides so we walked up one side then back down the other. It was a surprisingly beautiful and remarkable that it was only just out of town.  It had quite a feeling of Tasmania about it. I kept expecting to see platypus.

After that we drove to Sanage which is on the other side of Toyota towards Nishin where there was a wonderful baby botanical garden and lush lawns and a Japanese garden. Again I was like nothing I had ever seen in Japan and certainly in the Toyota area so I was pleasantly surprised and happy to see another aspect of our local area. It was great of Fumie to show us another side of our working town. Then we headed back and it was good bye to Toyota and goodbye to Fumie.  That evening we cooked our last dinner together and then did some more cleaning and tidying and got to bed latish.

The next morning I packed up my bags, marvelled at the amount of things I had and pondered about how I was going to get them from my backpack into my suitcase.  It will be an interesting day at the airport…..  Then Katie and I left the building, I shedding a tear or two of course and down we went to the train station, via the hairdresser girls where there were more tears. Golly. Then we got the train to Nagoya.  At the Kamimiezu stop I had to say goodbye to Katie which was again quite sad and emotional. She was a wonderful house mate and helped to make my stay in Japan all the more wonderful, and interesting!! Arigato Katie!

At Nagoya station I caught the bus to Kyoto for one last look around! More on that soon….

Its hard to believe but I have had the last day of work! It was on Monday 11th and it was somewhat of a surreal experience. I find it hard to grasp the concept that I wont be teaching any of those lessons again, nor see most the students too.  Very strange indeed.  Monday was a short day too which meant that I only taught 5 lessons, two of which were a double voice lesson or a farewell voice as the case was.  It was nice that many students came along to say goodbye, several even taking the day off! How nice were they. And I got a few nice gifts also which was lovely and thoughtful! I thought that I might get quite teary in the end but I didnt for which I was grateful.  Its strange how attatched one can get to teaching the same students the same lessons in one year but I guess its quite a bonding experience. They get used to you as much as you get used to them. 

I have a few email addresses of some students that I have gotten to know particularly well. I also have two students coming to Adelaide later in the year for a short term stay and to attend university so that will be nice.  Its great to think that I will be able to see them again and spend some time showing them around my city.  I guess it will be nice for them to have a familiar face about too.  I have to zip into work briefly to say goodbye to the staff as I didnt have a special farewell gig as many teachers do but to be honest we kind of ran out of time and occasion.  Not to worry....

Last weekend I had quite a fun time too. On Friday I went out for my last all night kakaoke with another teacher which was great. There was quite a bit of Wham which always makes for a good night!  I was surprised when I we looked out the window and the sun was up! Then again... its nearly the longest day of the year here so it will be strange going home to darkness in Australia!   Then on Saturday night we went to a soccer game at the Toyota stadium which was a lot of fun. The Nagoya team drew which wasnt a bad result considering they played a team 3 positions above them. The crowd or cheer squad rather was extremely animated and a spectacle themselves.  Certianly leaves a lot to be desired from the Aussie cheer sqads.  They had mini chants for each player and drums and loud speakers and all kinds of jumping and dancing. It was great!

Then on Sunday one of my lovely friends, Fumie and her husband Shiro took me to the lovely town of Takayama http://www.hida.jp/english/ where we wandered around the shops, visited the towns traditional floats, ate some great raman and local treats and went for a lovely walk. It was a really wonderfu way to spend the day and whilst it poured all the way there, it was a lovely day there in the mountains. Then when we got back home they took me out to a lovely dinner at the local pasta/pizza place which turned out to be quite authentic! Surprisingly so!!  

More soon on my last days in Japan.......!

Getting up at 5am is not my preferred way to start the day but none the less we rose and shone quite well and were out the door before 6am ready for our weekend away.  We had to get the subway to Nagoya and from there we caught a bus to our destination…Fujikyu Highland.  Fujikyu is an amusement park known for its particularly scary rides. It also happens to be situated at the base of Mt Fuji. This meant that I was able to view the magnificent volcano one more time before I leave Japan and have a fun day out.  We planned to stay the night at Kawaguchiko, the town on Lake Kawaguchi right at the base of Mt Fuji.

The bus ride to this part of Japan is 4 ½ hours mostly along the freeway and then along a road that winds around lakes, the suicide forest and then to our destination.  The freeway is always fun to travel along. The views are of mountains, tea fields, the sea and closer to our destination, the very top of Mt Fuji. It was the only sighting of its summit for our time there.  The breaks at the roadside breaks are always fun, finding odd foods, souvenirs and lucky for us, one of our favourite now-removed-from-stores chocolate ‘Melty Kiss’. 

When we arrived at the Fujikyu, there was an ominous sky, very grey and threatening. Still, we had little choice but to go in and enjoy what we could before we got rained out.  On entry, we discovered that there was a power outage so we had to wait initially for the power to come on so we wandered over to the scariest ride there. It is in the Guinness Book of Records for the most inversions on a rollercoaster.  We optimistically joined the queue and fortunately only had to wait about half an hour to enjoy the best ride ever. It was unreal, scary and amazing.  And over in about 1 minute but what a minute!!  With the adrenalin rush happening we raced off to the next ride which was slightly nauseating, like a giant swing that also swivelled…blah. Then it was to the next rollercoaster which on reflection didn’t look so fun as it was somewhat flimsy looking and old.  When the safety belt was a mere bar across the middle I knew we were in for something nasty and that it was. I have to say that it was a little too much on the terrifying side for me and was no fun whatsoever.  Too fast, high, bumpy (we were at the back) and insecure.  I was glad when it was over and we were in one piece.  Next we took off to the last significant rollercoaster and we just getting towards our go when the rain came down and it was all over red rover for the roller coasters.  Then we had little else to do but wander around and go on the safe entertainment which more or less kept us occupied to closing.

After which we caught the train to the Kawaguchiko station where we were picked up by the hostel peoples and taken to there lovely and recently opened and refurbished hostel, Ks House, Mt Fuji.  We dropped our stuff off and decided that we were starving so on the suggestion of the staff went out for some stew which was extremely filling and delicious.  It was just what we needed after our day. When we got back we decided that the only thing left for the evening was the Onsen (hot spring) next door. It was just beautiful as far as onsens go…. With lovely facilities and not only hot springs inside but also outside and a spa and a sauna AND we had it to ourselves. Just beautiful. We scrubbed and then rinsed and soaked the day away for 2 hours then went home and slept like a baby.

Day Two

After an amazingly restful sleep in our lovely room we got up early and packed ready to tackle what we could of Mt Fuji. Although it was a lovely morning clouds still covered the area of interest.  We walked to the lake for a look and then around it via the 7Eleven for morning refreshments.  There was a quick stop at the local cemetery and photos of flowers and we arrived to the station where we purchased tickets for the bus to Mt Fuji.  The bus takes about 45 minutes to get to the top which was a pleasant enough trip except we ascended into cloud which meant no view whatsoever.  And it was black clouds too.  Arriving at the 5^th Station (level) which is as far as one can go by vehicle we had a quick look around and set off in the direction of the next station, not really knowing how far we could go knowing the top was covered in snow.  The walking was a little tiring, a gradual ascent over black volcanic soil and stones with low cloud which made it difficult to gain any real perspective.  None the less, we pushed on through the fog and the hail.  There was hardly a soul about. We passed one Japanese chap who was on his way down, all kitted up with mountain climbing gear.  We figured that at this point we didn’t have much father that we could go. Suddenly the sun came out and we could see a little more up the mountain and the snow line up ahead. Then there was thunder and it clouded over and stated snowing.  How’s that for whacky weather?  We walked up about 1 ½ hours in total until we hit the snow line which required serious snow climbing gear, sat down and had a snack and then went down again.  We got another good break in the cloud and could see down to the valley a bit which was quite nice. Then it clouded over and looked like trouble so we took off back to the bus.  When we got into town it was pouring with rain and there was thunder and lightening.  We had a late lunch in a café and decided the only thing to do was to head back to the onsen for a soak which was just wonderful. We sat outside in the bath in the rain and it was amazing and relaxing too!!   And we had the place to ourselves…. once again.  After and hour we headed back to the hostel and they dropped us back to the train station and we caught the bus home again.  Twas a great weekend away.

 Photos at ….  http://www.flickr.com/photos/mousetoast/

Here are some photos of me as I never have many of myself on line.

They have come via Skye so thank you for letting me use them!!

 Eating noodles in Osaka

Bit of Karaoke singing with Skye

In Kobe with Clint

 On the Ferry to Matsuyama

Preparing some Japanese lunch at 'home'

Hi there and yes, its really that close to home time.  Its  all come about so quickly I can hardly believe it myself but that is what the calander says, so it must be true. I am still in the throes of sorting out bits and pieces and trying to work out what exactly I am going to do next but its mostly coming together. I have 13 days of work left, including today.

Last weekend on Sunday night we went into Nagoya for dinner at Yamachan which is an establishment which is famous for its chicken wings of all things.  Not being one to indulge in such things I was somewhat dubious regarding their deliciousness but I was surprised. They were in fact incredibly delicious and spicy and peppery and cheap! It was a fun night and we still managed to catch the last train home which was somewhat important! Otherwise it would have been Karaoke which is generally dangerous for ones health!   www.yamachan.co.jp/menu.html

This Sunday we are going to the movies to see Pirates lll  which we are excited about seeing. First there will be dinner of some kind in Miyoshi iMall and I am hoping its Korean which is usually pretty nice and at a good price.  Its a long movie so we are going to have to get a taxi home rather than the train as its too late!! Its fortunate that there are the 4 of us to share the cost.  We have opted for the English with Japanese subtitles naturally but they do show a dubbed version which I would think is, amoungst other things, incredibly funny!!

Next weekend which (Wednesday and Thursday) we are off to Fuji Q Highlands to the amusement park.  We have at some crazy hour of the morning and then 5 hours of fun at the amusement park which hopefully will be fantastic and exhilarating.  www.fuji-q.com/fuji-q-en/main/e-main.htm  Its supposed to have THE best rides in Japan.  No doubt I will be terrified but its good everynow and again! Katie and I are both going so that will be fun. We are staying the night at a backpackers  kshouse.jp/fuji-e/index.html which is the same chain as the one that I stay at in Kyoto.  The next morning we are hoping to get to the 5th stage of Mt Fuji which can be done by bus and then have a little walk up to say at least we climbed some of Mt Fuji!!  We think that there will still be snow on top so it will be too dangerous to go too far.  Then in the evening we have the bus back to Nagoya.  It will be a fun weekend away.

So thats the plans for the next week or so. I hope to have a report from that trip in my next blog. Talk to you then!!!

bus at

Hi all. Its just beautiful here in Japan at the moment. It is common thought that the nicest weather for the greater part of Japan is in May. Its around 24C and sunny and not humid. Just wonderful. The rainy season and also the humidiy starts again next month (June) so I am not looking forward to that too much.  June also means that I have come full circle and that my 12 months in Japan is nearly up!

I have put in my resignation which was somewhat difficult becuase it also meant admitting that I was going, having fallen in love with this county, BUT its not reality here either and I need to get back into the swing of things at home. Naturally I cannot wait to see my family and friends and eat roasts and pizza and fruit again. Yay for that.

Another two staff members have left this month, well one is soon to go, so out teacher numbers are dwindling significantly at out school. I imagine that there would be some more moving in but it hasnt been the case as yet. Then when I and Katie leave there will only be about 6 full and 2 part time which is about half compared to when I arrived.  Katie is finishing a week before me so our little house in Nishin is going to be empty too unless we get new people moving in.

The biggest job for me now is trying to get stuff back to Australia. Being the hoarder that I am means that I have accumulated a lot of 'stuff' which I feel that for at least for now needs to go back home. Its mostly books and brouchures and niknaks and that kind of thing that has attracted my attention in the time that I have been here.  Its fortunate that I can send it home via sea mail so as there is no real hurry I guess, its the cheapest method. 

I also am looking into doing my last quick trip in japan. I would love to include a climb of mt fuji but I am not sure that it will be snowless by then. Katie was there a week ago and it still had a decent amount of snow on it.  I will try to get to the general vicinity at least. We are trying to plan a day trip to this fun place before we leave http://www.fuji-q.com/fuji-q-en/main/attraction.htm  so I hope that we can get there being one for that kind of thing. 

At the moment the azaleas are flowering like mad and purple lillies are springing up madly. Its all really quite beautiful. I thought that the cherry blossoms would be the end of it but there is still a lot of beauty about the countryside.  There is a lovely jasmine bush that we walk past on the way to work and its scent is wonderful.  At the lake there are some trees that are flowering but i dont know there name.  They flowers are a little like that of wisteria but are white.  I have also seen 3 snakes! I am not sure what kind they were though.

Ok, will write again soon.....

Day One Nagoya-Osaka
Not really a holiday day as such but I worked a half day in the morning and then caught the train to Osaka and then another train out to the airport to meet Skye.  We then caught the train and then subway back into town where we had a really nice Ryokan booked. It wasn’t quite like the photos but it was really neat and quite traditional with tatami floors and lots of nice sliding doors into mystery spaces.  We dropped our bags and went next door to Dotonburi which is a kind of famous street in Osaka and ate some great noodles and then crashed on our surprisingly comfortable futons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dotonbori

Day Two Osaka-Himeji-Kobe
We got up reasonably early and got the subway to the train station where we caught the train direct to Himeji to see the castle. Apparently we had timed it perfectly for the height of its cherry blossom season. After initially having some problems finding a place for our luggage (too many tourists in town) we bought a bento box, beer and had a little picnic in the park with the masses. Despites the crowds we were still able to have a pleasant stroll around the grounds and into the castle.  It was great to see the castle in a different season and with the cherry blossoms it was truly memorable.  Later we caught the train back to Kobe and then another train out to our hostel (YHA) which was a little further out than we thought but still more than suitable.  We had the first of many meals via a ticket machine at a café near the train station (consisting of rice, meat, soup and salad) and then had a great sleep in our bunk bed! http://himeji-kanko.jp/english/main/castle.html

Day Three Kobe
We awoke at a good time and went for a wander to look at the mightily impressive suspension bridge where we ate one of many breakfasts courtesy of convenience stores – usually consisting of ice coffee, yogurt and some mystery baked object.  Then we caught the train several stops into town the crossed to the subway out to Clint’s house.  Clint met us at the station and we went to see Satsuki and their beautiful new daughter Maya.  Satsuki cooked us a delicious curry lunch and we had a nice catch up and then we said goodbye and went with Clint into town to do some looking about and shopping.  We went up into a tower which had a great view of the city, into the main shopping malls as well as some great little shops about the place. Then it was beer time at out Kobe usual – the Irish bar, and then for dinner we had Okonomiyaki prepared for us on out own bbq plate.  Being in the right mood we decided to participate in a quick hour of Karaoke which was quite a bit of fun and then it was time to say goodbye to Clint and head back to the hostel before we missed the last train. It was a fun night!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashi-Kaikyo_Bridge

Day Four Kobe-Hiroshima
This involved getting up early as we had a 7.45 bus to Hiroshima.  We did it surprisingly well even fitting in a quick bite at the dreaded S’Bucks.  The bus ride was very pleasant and a great way to travel. It is cheaper than the trains and not a great deal slower.  It was also nice to see some different countryside!!  We arrived to Hiroshima a bit before midday and went to find our nights accommodation which was surprisingly easy once we worked out which tram (yes tram, just like Melbourne!) we needed.  The place we had booked unbeknown to me is a big conference centre with accommodation on the top two floors.  We left our bags in reception and went out to find some food which we did; enjoying what was probably the best food I ate while on tour.  It was a soup and noodle dish with roast pork and veggies. It was sensational.  Then we headed to the peace park where we first viewed the A-Bomb Dome, the remnants of building partially destroyed when the atomic bomb exploded directly above it.  We then walked to the Children’s Peace Memorial where there were hundreds of paper cranes made from all over the world and sent or delivered to this memorial.  Then it was to the Memorial Museum which narrated the events pre, during and post the bombing 6/8/1945.  It was a powerful and overwhelming experience.  We then went back to the hotel, checked in was very impressed by the room.  It was basically a hotel suite with real beds – for me, this was exciting.  We found some dinner via the bento box at 7/11 and caught up on some exciting Japanese TV.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima

Day 6 Hiroshima-Miyajima-Hiroshima
Miyajima is an island an hour by tram, then a 15 minute ferry ride, from Hiroshima.  It’s famous for it bright vermillion torii (Shinto shrine gate) that floats in the sea. Its one the most photographed views in Japan (apparently).   We took some photographs and wandered around the pleasant town then decided to hike to the top on Misen (530m) despite the forecast for rain.  It was a very pleasant although exhausting walk (we didn’t take literally the notice that said it was difficult) and we still managed to get a reasonable view at the top despite the low cloud.  We didn’t spy any of the monkeys that inhabit the island but we did see many deer back in the town.  For late lunch we ate the local speciality, Hiroshimayaki – Okonomiyaki with noodles in it.  It was quite nice; the impressive part was watching it being made in front of us.  Then we caught the ferry and tram back, got caught in a thunderstorm and arrived back at the hotel saturated.  We hung our wet stuff out to dry and crashed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyajima

Day 7 Hiroshima-Matsuyama-Dogo
The next morning we checked out early-ish to catch the ferry to the island of Shikoku over the inland sea.  The ferry port wasn’t too far by tram and whilst a fast ferry was available we planned to take the slower one of nearly 3 hours.  It was a very pleasant crossing on a lovely sunny day.  The first part of the journey wove around many beautiful islands and past a lot of shipping ports. The second half was through the main the sea which was interesting for watching the huge crate ships along the shipping channels.  We arrived at the port just outside Matsuyama where we caught a 5 minute bus the train station and then caught the rickety local train into town. We decided to leave our bags at the train station, got a bite to eat at set lunch place then went to find the Matsuyama castle.  The castle was another that had been destroyed and re-built many times but it was still nice enough. It sat on top of the highest hill in the area and had nice views of the town.  In the gardens were lots of very pretty double cherry blossoms. We visited a local garden and then got a tram and our bags and went out to Dogo, 15 minutes from town where we had booked the YHA.  The hostel is apparently the most popular in Japan and although it was nice enough, had a slightly odd feel about it.  Regardless, we appreciated the free internet and use of towels and after making a great dinner in the dodgy self catering kitchen we went out to experience the main reason for visiting Dogo.  Dogo is an onsen (hot spring) town and we were there to have a hot spring.  Not only that, Dogo has the oldest onsen in Japan and was used by the royal family! There is a bit of procedure when taking an onsen. It involves tickets, shoe boxes, dressing rooms, valuables lockers, dressing in yukatas (after bath kimono) then the actual onsen. That means getting your gear off, soaping up and rinsing on milking stools with hand held shower nozzles with the masses, then jumping (or stepping) into a boiling swimming pool and relaxing! Despite being initially timid we moved on and decided to go from our smaller onsen with less people into the main room where there were 30 or so ladies. It was fun but golly – it was hot!! It was something that I always wanted to do and now it’s crossed off my list.
We slept like logs that night. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dgo_Onsen

Day 8 Matsuyama-Kyoto 
We booked a highway bus back to Kobe which took nearly 4 hours but once again it was a nice way to see the island of Shikoku.  It was quite a lot more mountainous than other parts of Japan that I have seen and certainly a lot more rural.  We crossed over two bridges, the second being the suspension bridge we had previously seen from the Kobe side. It was impressive to travel on it – and it had a great view!!  We then arrived at Kobe and got tickets to Kyoto experiencing a rarity – delayed trains of up to 30 minutes in both directions.  It was an excuse for a bite to eat and then we got a train to Kyoto that had to pause several times along the way but finally we arrived. We checked into Ks’ House where I had stayed previously and we dropped our gear and got the train out to Fushimi-Inari.  Whilst it was a bit late in the day it turned out to be a great plan as it was quite a different feel to the place in the evening.  We wandered around the thousands of Torii trying to get the perfect photo and then the sun set and the night lamps made it all the more atmospheric.  The temple at the foot of the torii looked lovely all lit up at night too.  For dinner it was a hike to the beef bowl place but it was pretty good – and cheap!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikoku

Day 9 Kyoto
We got up early in attempt to beat the crowds and set out for the lovely Kiyomizu temple which looked lovely in its spring foliage.  The crowds weren’t too bad and despite the initial rain at which point I bought an umbrella, it stopped! Then we took a similar path as I did last time, along the river and foothills of Kyoto in the Higashiyama area looking in shops, temple grounds and gardens.  The find of the day were some very old black and white postcards which were just beautiful.  We were a little late in the season to walk the Philosophers Path in full cherry blossoms but there were still some about.  We ended up at the Silver Pavilion which I hadn’t visited before. Fortunately we were close to the end of the day and there was hardly a person to be seen. It was a really lovely little garden with amazing sand sculptures and lovely mossy gardens.  We then decided to walk at least an hour back to the hostel via the beef bowl place (again) and then exhausted from all the walking had a relatively early night. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beef_bowl

Day 10 Kyoto
Today we decided to take advantage of the day pass for buses and caught the bus out towards the Golden Temple.  First we visited a nice enough gardens and Zen gardens at Ryoanji then walked 10 minutes to the Golden Pavilion which was chock-a-block full of people but it was still quite spectacular.  We followed the path around the pavilion and up to the gardens where I threw my coin in the lucky bowl and then it was out again.  After that we caught the bus to the Kyoto Castle.  This castle was only on one level but was quite spread out and had many amazing painted and golden leaf covered walls and inside roof.  It also had this amazing floor the squeaked every time you took a step – to warn the Shogun of pending attacks.  The gardens were again lovely and we strolled around them for a while then caught the bus to the Nishiki Markets. Prior to entering the markets we stopped for lunch at a great sushi restaurant that had a good lunch deal and we had some delicious soup, raw fish, sushi, egg custard and mystery items! Delicious!  In the markets we had a look at the odd food and in some shops at souvenirs then into the main shopping malls.  Skye looked at second hand clothes shops and I found a fabulous print shop were I brought a couple lovely woodblock prints.   We then managed to catch the wrong bus back to the station, walked to the hostel and had a fun night of Uno with a couple of French guys (Denis and Sebastian) and lovely aussie guy from Sydney (Hank.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodblock_printing_in_Japan

Day 11 Kyoto-Nara-Kyoto-Nagoya
We decided to stay this extra day in Kyoto so we could get out and visit Nara on a day trip.  Nara is only about 40 minutes by express train from Kyoto and we decided it was worth the visit.  Unlike Kyoto, all of the main sites are in close proximity to each other so we really just wandered around in the one area.  We decided that we were over temples but we did go to one which was incredible purely for its size. It’s apparently one of the largest wooden structures in the world and houses a Buddha over 16m high, made of gold and bronze.  After leaving the temple it started raining so we wandered around a little more then visited the photography museum. It had some wonderful old black and white photos and as well as colour ones of the area.  Then for a change we had beef bowl for a late lunch, caught the train to Kyoto, zipped into the department store under the train station to by some tasty treats, got our bags from the hostel and then caught the highway bus for 7pm back to Nagoya.  It went remarkably quickly although I was started to nod off at the end. Then we caught the subway with the commuting masses and got back to Nishin, exhausted after a great holiday.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Ddai-ji

For some photos of our trip in reverse order visit my photo site at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mousetoast/

I went for my first run again for about a month and it was just lovely to get the lungs and legs working again! I have to say though that I am feeling somewhat tired this evening though. 

I will sleep well no doubt.

What was lovely to discover was that all the somewhat unappealing trees about the lake in fact turned out to be cherry blossom trees and they are looking particularly beautiful at the moment.  I will have to do a run with my camera which is not particularly appealing but some of the trees are so very lovely that they warrant photographing.  There are also a nice little groups of tulips out too.? I am turing into a flower freak!! If you were here you would understand as its all so lovely.

I am writing this from the local internet cafe in Nishin once again. Its been months since I have had to be here but now as we have lost our internet temporarily its back to the internet cafe we go. Hopefully we will have our connection back in about a week.  Fingers crossed for that one as I hadnt realised how much I use it - until I dont have it!  The music is still bad and its a bit smokey but the chairs are still the best.  The key board is still confusing!

I am off on holidays on Monday and its going to be lovely.  I am meeting Skye at the Osaka airport after my half day.  We will spend a few days in Kobe, Hiroshima, and Kyoto with a few bits a pieces in between. It will be great to see parts of the country I have visited already but in another season as well as discover new parts as well.  I hope that my limited Japanese will suffice for the sightseeing we are planning to do.  We might be ordering some interesting food on the way!! I will be taking loads of photos so I hope that some of them are decent enough to put on flikr.  The highlights will be hopefully seeing Himeji Castle with cherry blossoms, visiting the site of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, catching the ferry acrross the inland see, and having my first onsen (hot springs) in Dogo.  Hooray for hoilidays!

The weather still is all over the shop with the days actually being lovely and sunny but the wind is quite strong and especially chilly.  I coundnt see any snow on the mountains in the far distance this morning but I still think its blowing across from Siberia!  If it blows too strong it will blow all the petals off the cherry blossoms so I hope it calms a down a bit at least until we can see them on our journey.  We are supposed to go to Okazaki Castle after work on Sunday to so a spot of viewing with our fellow teachers so if I am feeling up for it I might go along too. It is supposed to be quite spectcular.   

Ok, time to make the dash home but hopefull I will be able to add a blog on my travels and have lots of news to share with you soon.

Well I have to say that I believe that its well and truly time for spring to have sprung as I am a little over the cold weather. I have noted in fact that I will be returning to an Australian winter but I dont think that is really going to compare to the Japanese winter.  Having said that, this years winter was especially mild but still, it was colder than what I was used to.  Speaking of which, I managed to enjoy another brief sprinkling of snow nearly 2 weeks ago.  It was a bit of a late in the season event but it was nice to see even though it was in minute amounts. 

This week however, there seems to be evidence of weather around the 17C mark and evenings are getting up to 5C or so and thats a nice change.  There is also talk by the students of the annual cherry blossom parties in the next week or so.  I am not sure what exactly this entails but I believe that it is a getting together of work collegues, maybe after work on a Friday,  heading over to the local cherry blossom park, putting down some tarpaulin under ones preferred tree (you have to get in early to get the best possie) and then as the sun goes down and the special night lights come up, one drinks oneself silly.  Sounds like a hoot! Whilst I have been told that Sake is the favoured beverage I understand that any alcohol is acceptable.  I finish early on Friday nights so maybe I will have to hunt down this park and join in the action.

I finally seem to be at the end of this extremely annoying flu too. This would be mostly thanks to the taking of my emergency anitbiotics.  Not one to readily take such things it was a bit of a last measure resort having lost my sense of taste and smell for the last week.  They are sensations that are only fully appreciated once one is devoid of the privalage.  As a person who rarely succombs to illness I have to say that I have had my fill of lurgies here in Japan and have been trying to establish reasons for my vulnerability.  It seems that most westerners are in the same situation as myself, catching all sorts of ills while in Japan too. I suppose its just a coming in contact with unusual strains of bugs. I also think its a little to do with the crazed temperature changes. One moment one is roasting in the train, or office, or shopping mall and the next one is freezing outside.  Its a little unusual for me at least anyway.  The only other major change for me personally is that I have been drinking a lot less alcohol than normal. I wonder if there is something in that??? 

A lot of supermarket products are getting into the spring action too. My favourite Natto is sporting a new look in packaging, covered in pictures of cherry blossoms. Cherry flavoured Kit Kats are in stores.  All sorts of products at the moment are either decorated with cherry blossoms or infused with either cherries or blossom flavours. I am not sure what cherry blossoms taste like but I am sure that I will soon discover this for myself. 

Regarding the official commencement of the cherry blossom season, have a look at the link below which is interesting

 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/03/25/MNGA5ORASV1.DTL

Ok, time to get ready for work, talk to you again soon.....

I have been meaning to put this link on my site for awhile and I have finally gotten around to it so I hope that you enjoy it!

You should know in advance that I much of this is tounge-in-cheek so dont take it all too literally but many of the aspects are quite true too.

I found it very hilarious!

Enjoy.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b75cl4-qRE

Its been a bit quiet of the mousetoast front of late I am sorry to say. But I will endeavour to add a few more entries this month to make up for it! 

On the recent events front, over half of the staff have managed to catch somewhat of a nasty flu that has put us out of action for several days and reduced our ability to function somewhat normally in the days following.  With rest, fluids and all manner of interesting japanese medications I am sure that we will all be on the mend soon.  The most interesting product that I have been introduced to courtesy of a japanese friend are these cloth strips that you adhere to your head and they go cold, thus reducing your temeperature. They are very cool - literally!  Today I may even wear a face mask to work. This is entirely normal for the cold and hayfever season and is considered good manners, rather than coughing and sneezing all over everyone else.  Fair enough!

We are one housemate down in Nishin. Kerry has moved into Nagoya where she hopes to improve her Japanese and make some new friends. Its a bit of a rage at the moment with 3 other male teachers doing likewise.  Personally, the commute of an hour each way, each day would drive me insane but I am sure that they will enjoy the change. There are several agencies that help assist foreigners look for apartments and they do all the paper work for you.  Its a bit of an extra expense too as one has to outlay the first and last months rent and that isnt necessarily refunded to you. I am quite happy where I am thank you!

We will gain to extra house members next week with Katies mum and grandma coming to visit for several weeks. Quite a bit of that time will be with them travelling around the place, notably Kyoto for the height of cherry blossom season.  I hope that they enjoy it!! 

Soon after they leave, I hope to have my freind Skye come to visit me for while and we plan to do quite a bit of sight seeing and get as far southwest as Hiroshima.  I have made up a bit of schedule and am just waiting for confirmation that its all go so I can start making some bookings for hostels.  It will be nice to get away and do some sight seeing.

I have been doing a bit of overtime again this month at a shopping mall in Chiryu which is about half an hour from Toyota.  Its a brand new mall with lots of clothing shops and a great supermarket and all kinds of interesting things to look at.  There are a great number than usual of kids classes at the school. Its guess its convenient to drop the kids off and do some shopping then pick them up when you and they are finished.  It is a little difficult teaching kids that you are not used to but I guess one can only do one best!! The downside is the hour commute as usual but its a nice change to be working somewhere else.  I have at least on more shift there this month.

Finally, there is a bit of teacher exodous happening in the next month or so. Ayako from Sydney is working her last shift today, Christine from the US who helps on Sundays is finishing next week and our branch manager, Becca, also from the US is putting in her resignation next week, leaving May.  I guess I will have to make some decisions about my coming or going too in the next month. Katie likewise is at the same point as we arrived a week apart.  Will keep you posted!!!
Later....

Day One

Well I decided that it was high time that I got myself out of my prefecture and did some sight seeing in another part of Japan. I had 3 days off so I used the first for all things domestic and then got up at the crack of dawn (which is getting earlier and earlier now) to get the 7am train. This got me into Nagoya and off on the local train to Kyoto. I had only one place to change and the weather seemed to be very pleasant and I was in high spirits!

However... two stops before Kyoto when we go into the hills, the rain came down. This was somewhat disappointing but one cannot chose the weather.

At the extremely impressive JR Kyoto I got my bearings and set out on my first task, finding the accommodation. I had prebooked a backpackers in anticipation of it being busy and after wandering in the wrong area I found the right place and dropped off my bag. Now at 11am I donned my rain jacket and head out, hoping for the best!  I walked back to the station to catch one of the many loop buses that went to the different regions of Kyotos sight seeing districts.  http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html   I have to say that Kyoto is very well set up for tourist which is wonderful. While it was busy, there was not a huge wait and everything is well signposted.  I decided that with the bad weather just to head to one of the main areas for sight seeing and have a look around to get some idea for when my friend Skye comes to visit next month.  I got off at the stop for Kiyomizu temple and climbed the steep street past many cute craft shops to the temple.  It really is an impressive temple set up in the hills over looking the city. It was a little bare but it wont be long before the leaves and cherry blossoms come out and everyone will be happy!! Its probably THE most famous place to see cherry blossoms in Japan. They love it

I wandered around in the rain a little and then moved on down some steep steps in the area towards where the Maikos and Geishas are often seem but I suppose it was too wet for them to be out in thier beautiful clothes  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha  There were lots of beautiful shops selling souveniers and lovely material and insence and all kinds of lovely things.  I kept wandering around lovely quiet streets towards several more temples, gardens and shrines towards NanzenJi Temple where I was led to believe there was a lovely walk along 'the philosophers path'.  To cut a long story short, it took a lot longer to find and I was getting a bit cranky but eventually when it did it was getting a little dark and dreary although it had stopped raining. The path was pleasant enough but maybe not as I imagined.  As conveniant as it was to be wearing my hiking boots, they were starting to rub so at the end of the path I caught the first bus heading back to the station, listening to annoying Australians in the back street going on and on. I guess i had been walking around for about 6 hours so it wasnt too bad! And I hadnt by any means touched the surface. I will attempt to do more next time.  There are about 2000 temples so i have my work cut out for me!!

So I got the bus back the station, found some cheap and cheery curry and then headed back to the hostel.  I tried to stay up for awhile listening to people chatting in the lounge area but I have to say that was a bit exhausting so I had an early night around 9am.

Day Two

Whilst staying in the dorm was a nice option and well priced, those feinds with thier plastic bags got the better of me around 7am so I dozed for 1/2 and hour til I decided that it was better to get out and about and miss the crowds.  I had a quick shower, packed, and got the local iced coffee at the convenience store.  Then I headed off to a place just out of Kyoto which is often used in movies being so visually attractive. It was an easy train ride away and it was nice to get out into the peace and quiet.  It was a great place to go hiking and gave me a good work out with all the steps. I was a little concerned about some of the elderly visitors but they seemed to be doing ok. There are plenty of rest spots along the way.  Besides the orange torii gates that I constantly walked under there were hundreds of shrines to the fox god everywhere.  It really was a spectacular place http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Inari-taisha and I will certianly go back!

Then I went back to town and went for a wander to some markets in Nishiki that sold various produce and also had some craft shops. It was nice to wander around the area for awhile just windown shopping.  I did some more scouting for places here and there for my return visit and then decided that, as nice as the weather was, it was time to head home.  I decided to get the Highway Bus back which was suprisingly quick and convenient.  It took more or less the same time and went via a slightly different route.  I left at 3, got back to Nagoya around 5.30 and back home after 6.  Its certianly much quicker on the Shinkansen but at half price, and with time on my side it was just fine.

I have some photos of my trip up at flikr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mousetoast/

Later.....

Hallo all

Sorry for the absence of late.  No real reason as such, I guess its been a little slow and there hasnt been a lot to write about! I have the house to myself tonight so I am taking advantage of that and am listening to some music and writing mails/letters/blogs!  Ah...the serenity!

Those chocoholics out there would be happy to know that Japan does Valentines in rather decent manner.  However, it is also a little different and in an unfortnate way too.  Valentines Day is held on 14th of February but traditionally its the women who give the men chocolates on this day ONLY. The chocolate in the stores is something to behold! I have never seen so much chocolate in one confined space in my life.  It looks amazing and comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours (!) and the packaging is outstanding. And having tried several kinds in the small sizes (ie 4 in box) and I can vouch for their deliciousness!!!  This tasting naturally needs doing as part of my personal research into the world of Japan and chocolate.  And the standard remains high. I can also add confused to my insights on chocolate in Japan, having now tried Apple KitKats!! Yes, apple. If you do not believe me you can look on my photo sight.  It's scarey and tastes....unique. Thats about all I can say, trying is appreciating.  Then again, you can get geen tea, red bean, strawberry, cherry, and coffee flavoured Kit Kats, besides the usual, so I guess its part of the deal.  So, the disapointment in Valentines Day in Japan is that I am unlikely to receive many chocolates so I am doing a little trying along the way.  So whilst you are wondering about the the custom of Valentines Day being only in the giving to men, there is a role reversal a month later on March 14th known as White Day.  The name comes from the tradition where the men give to the women (finally) marshmallows (WHAT!!!) although apparantly, thankfully, men are also having made available to them chocolate too.  Hooray!  Oh, and if you are male and receive chocolate, you are expected to return the favour on a month later irrespective of the relationship to that person.  Women often buy chocolate for thier male workmates and friends besides their husbands and boyfriends.  However, the more special the person, the more special the chocolate......nice eh

See below for a bit of info on Valentines Day and White Day in Japan

http://japanesefood.about.com/cs/holidays/a/valentinechoco.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Day

More soon.....

Hi there and belated Happy New Year to all.....

I cannot believe that the month is half way over already. I have to say that it was a bit of a shock to the system going back to work after a lovely 9 days off but after a week of the wobblies it was all back to normal again. Now of course it seems like I never had a break and that Tokyo and Francis visiting was some kind of dream that I had!!!

Thank goodness for photographic evidence

So this month is going to be a quiet one where one puts one head down and focusses on the job at hand.  Next month is supposed to be the coldest month in Japan but I have to say that its been pretty darn chilly here of late.  We have even had a morning of snow which was pretty exciting but it didn't stay around for very long.  In fact, it melted when it hit the ground  According to the experts, it was too wet and being unfamiliar which such things I take their word for it!  I hope that we get a couple more sprinklings as it was a lot of fun. When we take the train to work we can see many snow capped mountains in the distance which makes us want to get out there and play in the stuff so I suppose I should try and organise a day in it at some time.  Several of the staff have gone skiing already but they have had the fortune to know someone with a car.  Still, I hope to get at least one ski in while I am here!

 http://www.skijapanguide.com/index.php  is a definitive guide for those who want to know more about skiing/snowboarding in Japan....

I have sighted my first furry creature in the wilds of Japan whilst running around the lake. And no, it wasnt a fur hooded coat wearing Japanese person.  Its pretty difficult to find any decent sort of jacket about the place with out it having some sort of resemblence to a dead animal about the canopy.  Nor was it a squirrel which was what I was hoping for. Whilst I would have referred to it as a ferret, I am wondering now whether it was actually a sable  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sable  which apparantly can be found in Japan.  It was pretty cute but it didnt stay around long enough to say hallo.  I also saw a lovely very bright blue king fisher and a couple of turtles.  So much for the nature entry....

I have been out for another karaoke episode all nighter which once again proved to be fun and tiring at the same time.  There were not so many retirees this time but a few people still  managed a couple hours of sleep on site. We went to a different venue this time, across the road from the previous place and we managed to get a window view which was pretty nice.  The room itself was quite garish with maybe too many colours in a somewhat busy design but we had some nice flashing party lights which was a bonus. Again it was a great price at around 950yen  ($10Aud) from 11pm to 6am.  No wonder a lot of people chose to rent a karaoke room and sleep there the night when they miss the train!! Its a lot cheeper than a hotel!! And you can sing your heart out before you fall asleep.    

I have also manged to see Aliens 1,2,3 and 4 which was somewhat of a way laid personal ambition of mine so I can now sleep easy at night knowing that one is crossed off the list!!

So thats about the latest for me.  I have a couple more photos at the usual too.....

Day One

I guess day one started the night before when I went to catch the train back to Toyota with a 45 minute turn around in the pouring rain.  Although the umbrella was helpful I still managed to arrive with a mostly sodden shoes/jeans, a somewhat sodden backpack, bag and dripping daypack.  Oh well…..

After waiting in the freezing cold about 15 minutes the bus came (23.20) and I finally got into the warmth.  The bus journey was somewhat of a blur. I sat on the top deck one seat back from the front which meant that I constantly had the highway lights shining in my face throughout the night.  It was warm inside but I still never quite dried out and I was surrounded by excited teenagers who I imagine were off overnight to Tokyo Disney World for a day trip.  Fun but no good for zzzzz’s. The person next to me slept constantly while I at least tried to do so. There were two half hour stops on the way and the lights came on and people piled out so that was another interruption. Still, I guess that by the time I arrived into Tokyo at the Shinjuku station at 5.30am, I had managed maybe 1 ½ hours of broken sleep.  J

Arriving to Tokyo at such a time of the day was an interesting experience. Shinjuku is Tokyo’s busiest rail station and already the subway was running. I managed to find my way to the suburb of Ginza where the hotel was located. That was relatively easy considering that I thought that it was going to be somewhat difficult; Tokyo’s subway system looking like a plate of colourful spaghetti. Finding the hotel was another kettle of fish. There was much too-ing and fro-ing and pondering of the map when eventually I found it and that was purely by chance, the map was hopeless.  The hotel seemed pleasant and I left my luggage there and went out to meet my friend from Ireland, Francis, at the airport.  I had studied various ways of getting out to the airport and decided on what eventuated as the cheapest method. That was taking the subway to several stops down the line and then getting the airport train on the local line (at Ueno) rather than one of the specialty airport expresses.  Although the journey was 1 hour and 20 minutes, it meant arriving at the airport a good 2 hours early but I had books to be read so it wasn’t to be a problem.  All went smoothly and I arrived at the airport in good time and with two coffees under my belt.  Francis’ flight was delayed by 1 ½ hours which was some what of a pain but between sitting up on the viewing deck in the howling wind, wandering about in the shops, and reading the time managed to pass by. Then there seemed a forever wait for customs but then he came through and off we went back to town.  We caught the same train back and swapped onto the subway and were back in the hotel in no time. We checked in and then headed out to see the local sights in Ginza. We had a bite to eat at one of the many beef bowl stores and went for a wander about the local streets past Chanel, Louis Vitton, and the like (that kind of neighbourhood) and in the end decided that due to sleep deprivation from the previous night that we were both suited to an early night – be it around 7pm!

Day Two

Having had such an early night it was up quite early the next day and to the usual of  Starbucks for a coffee and breakfast croissant. Then we headed out to the fish market which apparently is the place to be at the crack of dawn. By the time we got there the realised that 8.30am was already too late and that 1/ most the action was over and 2/ it was a dangerous business hanging around in the markets with all the electronic carts and trucks. We headed straight through to the nearby Hama Rikyu Gardens which were tranquil and lovely.  There was hardly anyone there and we wandered around in the peace and quiet and looked at gardens which even in winter were still lovely.  We decided to have some green tea and sweet at the lake tea house which proved to be a lovely traditional experience and a nice way to start the tourist day.  We then caught the water bus up the river to Asuksa which is where Japans main Buddhist Temple is located. The trip was very nice and we travelled under 13 bridges at somewhat of a close distance to many and the big windows gave us a very nice view.  As for the temple itself, it was quite touristy and we were somewhat under whelmed by the experience but it was still nice to visit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asakusa Then we caught the subway to Akihabara which is supposed to be the place to get electronic items. First we managed to find somewhere to get money exchanged for Francis and also we got some food which turned out to be quite delicious – thick udon noodles in a miso soup for me and curry rice and miso soup for Francis.  Then it was off for gadget shopping.  We visited quite a few stores but we didn’t see too many bargains. There certainly were enough electronic stores to amuse and confuse the best of us.   I did pick up a web cam for my computer though! 

We went back to the hotel to get our bearings and do a spot of emailing and news watching (CNN at our flat screen) and then we decided to head out again for dinner in the area of Shibuya. This apparently has the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world and watching it, I tend to agree with them. This would mostly be mostly as the exit for the subway is straight at the intersection.  It was a site to be behold in the evening with all the big TV screens and advertising bill boards.

We tried our luck with a recommendation from our guide as to where to eat and went for pizza at a restaurant where the chefs were apparently trained in Italy. With my fastidiousness for decent pizza, this seemed to be an appropriate dining destination.  After wandering around blankly for about 20 minutes we stumbled across the place and to our delight we managed to get a window seat more or less overlooking the main square.  Happily, the pizza was the best that I have had in quite some time. Then again it’s been the only pizza for quite some time too BUT it was delicious and wood oven cooked and quite authentic. And we had a nice bottle of Italian red to go with it too.

After dinner it was 9 stops on the subway and to bed.

Day 3

We decided to try out the hotel breakfast which was not included but discounted a little with coupons that we received on check in.  It was worthwhile as it was a delicious buffet, and enough to ensure the dinner would be the next proper meal. 

We did a little research into visiting the grounds of the Emperors Palace and decided that due to the upcoming New Years holiday that enough of it was going to be closed to not warrant the effort.  Instead we headed to Shinjuku to get Francis’ ticket back to Tokyo on Wednesday so he had time to get his flight the next day back to the UK.  As it turned out it was fortuitous as there was only one ticket left on all the Shinkansen trains for that day.  Yikes!! Unfortunately it was early in the morning, declining us one extra day of exploring but it was then or never.  Thus the ticket was booked.

Then it was off to the Government Towers to take in the cityscape from their free viewing platform on the 34^th floor. However, the government was already on holiday and the whole building was closed.  It was a little disappointing but to be expected for this time of the year.  Instead we walked to central Shinjuku and spent some time looking in some retail shops at home wares.  After that it became all too much so it was Starbucks time for coffee and cheesecake.  It was particularly cold out compared to the warm 18C of the previous. I am sure it dropped a good 10C.  With the coffee fix out of the way it was off to the next destination of Harajuku which is supposed to be a happening place.  When we arrived we were instantly taken by the throng of people in the main shopping strip and decided instead to visit first the local Shinto shrine of Meiji-jingu, Tokyo’s main Shinto shine.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_jingu It was a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle, set in lovely peaceful gardens.  We wandered about and looked quizzically at what there was to see then we took off back to the throng.  We wandered down the small pedestrian strip of Takeshita-Dori and at the end I was delighted to see a Turkish Kebab stand which had to be the most delicious kebab that I have devoured for a long time. Wonderful and even more wonderful was that the chap in there gave us a cup of tea that wasn’t even on the menu and – wait for it – a piece of Turkish delight, from Turkey! Bliss.....

Then it was back to the hotel for a chill out and to decide what to do next. We planned to go out to a local bar in Ginza called 300 where all the drinks and snacks are 300yen. That’s a pretty good price, even though it turned out to be 315 yen with the tax.  Then we wandered the streets looking for appropriate food to finally find an interesting jazz bar that served quite a nice meal……. And it was home to bed.

Day 4

It was up at a reasonably early time again and this time it was to get ready to head home. We had breakfast at the hotel again and then did a pack up and sort out and put our luggage in storage. The only plan for the day was to find Francis a capsule hotel to stay in for the one night before he got his flight home again, which was something that he wanted to expeience.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_hotel This proved more difficult than expected although we eventually stumbled upon one so I hope that it’s ok!! It’s in Ueno which is on the main run out to the airport for ease of the morning flight. That’s the plan anyway so I hope that works out. That sorted and booked, it was back to Ginza. With a half hour up the sleeve there was time to have a quick look through the food section of the Matsuya department store which was very interesting and looked delicious (and expensive!).  Then we got a taxi to the Tokyo Station for the Shinkansen  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen which although was not far away would have proved difficult with the amount of luggage that we had.  Then we waited around for the train after finding the right platform in mild chaos. The train departed at 13.50 and was to arrive at Nagoya at 15.33.  That’s a quick trip considering that it took 6 hours by bus.  The train was very full and I was glad that we had reserved seats. Although the train was travelling at the best part at 300km it really didn’t seem like that at all.  It was a very pleasant and very quick journey.  Unfortunately we weren’t on the right side of the train to see Mount Fuji I did manage a snap through the person on the other side of the train.

I was surprised at how close we were to the mountain and it was pretty spectacular. I hope to climb it before I head back home again.  Anyway, pretty soon and too quickly we were back at Nagoya station where it was onto a deserted subway and back home again after a great little side trip to Tokyo.

For photos of the trip visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/mousetoast/

and although its only around 9pm I do believe that it wont be long until I am in bed!!  That would be mostly due to the fact that Katie and I cooked a rather sensational dinner in the manner more attuned to PJ (Pre Japan).  There was grilled chicken, mashed potato and garlic, broccoli and cheese, steamed carrots and baked pumpkin.  And champagne - although Katie had beer. And on top of that I managed to squish in pattatone which the supermarket (joy and delight) had stocked for the festive season.

Work today flew as Sundays do and everyone seemed to be in half decent Christmas spirits which was nice, despite that fact that it doesnt so quite seem like Christmas being away from home. After we got home we cooked up our forementioned feast and ate it while watching some non festive tv.  Then I had a lovely chat to the family at home and now its a bit of PC time while listening to lovely music livestream on ABC Classic FM then and to sleep.  Its rather cold outside and its going to be mightly nice in bed.

For Christmas day I have the excitement of opening all the lovely presents that I have been sent from my wonderful friends and family.  I am so looking forward to that.  Then I hope to go for a Christmas run (another good reason to be in bed soon) and try to say Merry Christmas to everyone that goes by, rather than the usual Ohayo Gozaimasu (good morning). Back home it will be for a quick clean up and then I have a short 5 lessons shift then back home for the Mexican Christmas dinner.  For lack of fine Mexican dining we have taken to preparing  our own and its always mightly nice.  So, it being our current favourite, we have decided thats the plan for Christmas day dinner be it non traditional, as we will be at work for lunch.  Its not a holiday in Japan although everyone kind of gets in the festive spirit.  It will be interesting to see how many people actualy come in for lessons tomorrow.

So thats the latest from me, Christmas greetings and blessings to you all

Lisa xo

Hallo all

Sorry for the absence of late.  If anything, I can put it only down to Christmas and the associated willy nilly.  Back on board now, more of less, and with a run down with the latest...

So we have had two Christmas parties of sorts on the two Sundays past. The first was a combined staff/teacher gig at Toyota at a Karaoke bar. Sounds like fun doesn't it? And yes it was.  It was only for two hours so there was a bit more haste as far as the evening went as compared to our Karaoke night in Nagoya.  The haste as in drinking and singing...

The place where we had this event was much smaller and louder with everyone staying awake for the evenings proceedings.  Being combined with Japanese staff, there was an interesting blend of English and Japanese music and singing and needless to say that although they could sing along with us, we were pretty stumped when it came to singing with them!! That was aside from singing along to my second favourite song in Japan by the wonderful band SMAP  http://www.japan-zone.com/modern/smap.shtml and thier song Arigatou (well, singing the chorus at least!!)  http://www.veoh.com/videos/e161790YabmF2dd (you should be able to watch the video clip from here....hopefully!!)

Two hours later and too many shochu laters http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shochu (note that it is flavourless and colourless and therefore evil) it was back on the train home. The next day was unfortunately spent in bed recovering.... needless to say, I am off alchol for the moment.

The second christmas party was in Okazaki which is a bit of a commute away but none the less, was an interesting evening.  It was at 'Christmas Eve', a bar/restaurant where it is always Christmas (music and decorations) and fittingly for us, it was, although I dont know how that would feel in say, June?!?  Anway, as previously mentioned in another blog, it was all you can eat drink for 4000 yen and having picked up the lurgy that everyone at school has seemed to have had, I was participating in the all you can eat. Oh, and ginger beer....

It was a fancy dress party and I went as a present which seemed like the best option at the time requiring only a cardboard box and wrapping paper.  There were angels, santas, candy canes and Jesus made a showing too which was nice.  Fortunately he wasnt dressed in swaddling cloth.  It was a good fancy dress effort I must say.

The food was especially delicious and although not particuarly Japanese, well received. And there was oodles of it which was nice too. One of the staff members works there on the weekends so I think that they pulled out the stops a little for us which was very kind of them.  I have to say that the food highlight was the ceasar salad which had proscuitto - first time in 6 months (deprived).  Anyways, the night turned quickly intoxicated, smokey and there was a bit too much karaoking on the Christmas carols so a couple of us took the last train home which got me as far as our neighbouring town of Akaike and then I walked 30 minutes home. 

Walking home after midnight is particularly safe in Japan and virtually traffic-less which is also nice. Although it was pretty chilly I walking at a speed that kept me warm.  I must have looked a bit silly walking home carrying a giant Christmas present!!

The next day however, I mostly lost my voice!! Fair enough I guess with the cold weather.  I have been trying to keep quiet the last few days, being my days off but its been a bit of a challenge.  It is pretty interesting trying to teach english when you can hardly speak it!! Anway, I felt on the mend this morning so I went for a jog around the lake and it felt fantastic, partially as I was wearing my new shoes which just rock.  Thank you Brooks....

Thats all for now folks, more again soon..... 

Last Sunday, once again, we managed to get ourselves to Jusco for movies! This time Katie and I went out after work with the daughter of one of our students which was nice. We are not allowed to socialise with our students which is unfortunate as some of them are so nice but I dont believe there is any problem with thier relatives!!!

Yukie drove us to Miyoshi and it was a lot of fun to be in a car again, if not a little strange. Thats the second car (one taxi aside) in Japan in 5 months.  We had dinner together at the Korean restaurant which was really good and as I hoped that it would be!! We chatted a lot about this and that and then we had the compulsory look in the pet shop at the cute dogs. The gorgeous grey Italian greyhound puppy was still there but it was still too expensive, and of course, there would be no point in getting a dog!! We also had a quick look in the sports store at jackets and then it was movie time. Yukie had to work early the next day so she went home but Katie and I went and watched Casino Royale and it was fantastic so anyone who is thinking about going - do yourself a favour and see it!!

Again we had the same dilema of how to get home but this time we didnt even have any taxis waiting for us. We were about to call one when we were offered a lift to the train station by a nice person so that was kind of them and I suppose with Japan being safe as it was we didnt even give it a second thought.

Then we had the the strange occurence of 13s.  We caught train number 13, at stop number 13, at 11.13pm and there was 13 people in our carriage and 13 people got off at Nisshin. I kid you not!! How bizzare.... 

Well I have another thing to cross off my 'things I must do in Japan' list.  That being Karaoke! It was Kerrys birthday last Wednesday so we all went to town (Nagoya) after work and met at the Australian bar Red Rock http://www.bar-and-restaurant.com/en/detail.php?id=S10500 for their 2000yen all you can drink 9-12 special (and lets face it, $22 for 3 hours drinking is pretty special).  As I was coming from Anjo on my overtime day I arrived a little later than everyone else and therefore was a little behind the 8-ball but I was pretty happy with that as I had to work the next day too.  After the special finished and I missed the last train that I had intended catch, there was nothing left for it but for singing!!

As most of you know, Karaoke is a Japan special and for any of you wanting to know a little more you can check it out at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaoke

We were not sure exactly where to go in Sakae as there are quite a few bars but we kind of got taken to a place suggested by a hang-er on-er which makes me wonder if he was in on a deal but anyway, it proved to be an ok place. So the deal was 1000 yen from 1am to 8am, which is a lot singing, per person, and it included spirits (eek).  There was about 13 of us and our room unfortunately did not have a view but none the less, its was quite decent. It was rectangle shaped with a long bananna shaped lounge and a table in the middle and on the wall was a large flat screen for the words and in the corner, the machine itself.  We had two microphones and one tambourine (which incidentally was fun!) and two huge books that took a little getting used to for finding the songs that we wanted but we managed to naviagate our way through them and then there was singing. 

We sang all sorts from bad (good!) 80s songs, lots of Bon Jovi and Brian Adams, and I do believe that some Christmas songs came out to play! It was a lot of fun. A third of the party went home (Nagoya locals) a third passed out on the lounge, and the 4 of us (Kerry, Jason, Ally and myself) that were left had a pretty good time finding songs and singing along. It was pretty smokey in the room which was unfortuante because my voice didnt hold the distance and it was pretty croaky the next day but I didn't lose my voice which was good.  

Next thing that we knew, it was 5.30am which is the first train home so we woke up the sleeping beauties and caught that train home again.  That left for about 3 hours sleep before work which is something I havent done for a long time but it was a really fun night out.  I will get some photos out soon.... 

Just as well that we are in practice because we have Karaoke again on Sunday after work for our staff Christmas gig which is in Toyota.  It will be fun and its a combined staff/teacher party with secret santa which is always fun.  Thats for 2 hours only so thats safe and we will catch the last train home for the evening.

The following Sunday 17th, we have the regional teachers christmas party which is at a place called 'Christmas Eve' and oddly enough, its always Christmas Eve there. So much for theme bars but its apparantly quite popular and the food is good too.  So I think the idea is that we dress up for that one so I will see how I feel closer to the date but I guess its always fun being an angel so that may be the go.

Later.... 

Whilst this Sunday is nearly upon us I thought I may share with you what we got up to last Sunday, not that it was so exciting but none the less....

My housemates and I decided to do something  normal, like go to the movies and see 'Devil Wears Prada'.  It was showing in Nagoya and its always nice to go into town in the evenings and see whats happening. Anyway, when the sessions were realised we knew that there was no way that we could get home on the last train for the appropriate session so we decided to go to Miyoshi instead. 

We had been to Miyoshi once before to see the mall and check out the cinema so we decided to put our research in practice. Sundays are great because we finish a little earlier and at the same time so we caught the train and then the bus and arrived to the mall with no problems.  The movie was showing at the perfect time so we got the tickets which was amusing. As soon as the people at the counter realised they were going to have to potentially speak english they all took 3 steps back and started debating who was going to serve us!! The poor guy on the end who was oblivious to our arrival dealt with us and of course, there was no problem.  And whats more the movie was only 1000 yen which is a pretty good price for movies in Japan.

We chose our preferred seats (allocated) and then went to hunt for food.  We bipassed the Korean place (again) in favour of the sushi train and put our name on the wait list which seems to be the method of gaining entry into food establisments at busy times.

Busy it was so we looked in some shops and then came back and waited for another 1/2 hour or so. Popular place. The food was great when we got it and it was interesting noting the stacks of plates that some tables had aquired.  They can sure put that sushi away!!

Below is the front of the shop and the window display of plastic food that resembles the actual food you can get inside. Its normal in Japan to see such displays in the front of restaurants. Next to that is our section with the prawn sushi on my plate and crab on kerrys plate and a stack of plates.  Good stuff!!!

After we at our fill we went back to the movie cinema and popcorn was purchased.  You may be interested to know that a large popcorn in Japan is about $4 and you can buy beer and take it into the cinema!!!  The movie was entertaining and we seemed to grasp the in jokes that obviously didn't translate into the subtitles. It was nice to relax and do something normal!

After the movie we were disappointed to learn that the buses had stopped running 3 hours previously so after a slight panic we manged to seek out a taxi driver and got ourselves back to the train station and back home.  A nice evening out....