Off to the Philippines!

As I finished work just two days ago it's time to do what any responsible person does when they're presented with the time. Vacation! I'm off to a remote island in the Philippines which I really have no information on. Hopefully I'll come back with limbs and other body parts intact. Mata ne!

English School is Over

And just like that it's all over! Too many stories and memories have accumulated over the past 12 months and while there were some days at work where I just wanted to fall into a coma the majority of my time spent with my children was just simply amazing. I'll never forget the students I had over the past year. I still can't believe that it's been that long.


While almost every teacher says they don't play or have favourite students I'm certainly sure that this statement holds absolutely no truth to it. Anybody who tells you otherwise is either:
a) lying
b) trying to save face
c) both a and b


Shiori #1 cutest <3


Akane & Mei. Mei was my first student ever. Too cute and too smart.


Kaori & Naoko-- the coolest high school students in Japan.


Ryoga & Shuya

Once Upon a Time...

Having a keitai in Japan isn't just an accessory-- it's a way of life. While riding the train you'll notice the majority of people flashing their phones out for hours at a time to check e-mails, write messages, listen to music, and even watch TV. Sadly, these days have come to an end for me.


Don't ask what happened. Funny thing is this wasn't the only thing broken last weekend. Oddly enough my iPhone actually hurt less.

Bed in a Bag

Complete set including a futon, blanket, and pillow. Only problem was lugging this thing home on a bicycle. Nevertheless, still complete and extremely comfortable and convenient.

New School

A new school opened up in Chiba at the beginning of the month and some of my students transferred over since it is closer to their homes. Here's a picture of one of the ones I lost. He's a real Hiro.

Wake-up Call

Ever wake up to a rooster in the morning?
This morning I woke up but didn't need one.
Reality settles in and kicks you in the ass.
Kinda makes you miss the rooster.

弟さん

If I could have a younger brother I would unquestionably take this guy. He's probably the most awesomest 10-year old ever.


I met him last year when I started teaching and both he and his mother take lessons from me. We went out to eat sukiyaki together and had a super fun time.

Kawaii!

Most definitely one of my highlights of the weekend was spending time playing with this bundle of joy. Took a little stroll with her through the park and danced with her too. Such a cute well behaved innocent little girl.


Baby exercises-- playing with a camera and pushing whatever button your tiny little fingers can find. Too cute.


She already knows her ABC song too. What more could you ask for?


The people from 熊谷.


Here's Ryo. He's awesome to talk to because he learns most of his English from South Park. Funny, funny guy.

Animals Galore

Tiny bit random: A tribute to the animals I've seen over the past year. I still haven't been to the zoo yet either...!


























I feel like I just did some crazy ass Naruto summoning technique. Kuchiyose no Jutsu!

上野 花見

I know I've had an abundance of sakura-themed posts lately but I'm just keeping with the current craze here in Japan. This was the scene at Ueno over the weekend.


It's not all gravy though, as I've probably seen more public drunkeness and intoxicaion over the past few days than I have ever witnessed in my life. Kyle and I strolled through Inokashira Park the other night and it was quite hilarious. For the record we had drinks in our hands too.


Most of the prime viewing areas are reserved and occupied from 5:00 in the morning when the trains first start running. A hefty supply of food and alcohol are brought along to hopefully last for the entire day. Of course there are the typical food stands and snack vendors during any festival time. Also, imitation geisha spotting!


Going to be hitting up several more locations over the next few weeks while hanami is still possible. Next up is probably Yoyogi or the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

My Backyard

Essentially, this is my backyard. There is a river that runs along the Joban Line through Shin-Matsudo and cherry blossoms have made themselves present all along the way.


It's kind of ridiculous that these are like the standard tree in Japan. Even though the bloom only sustains a 3-4 week period it's absolutely beautiful.


When I first arrived I thought people could swim and fish in this river. While there are a few carp and turtles the water is only about knee-deep. Probably insufficient for swimming purposes.


If I haven't mentioned before; Japanese babies are the cutest things in the world. It's so fun playing and talking to them.

First Day of School

"Kyokara ichinenkan shinkos wo tanto sasete itadakimasu.
Seippai tsutomesasete itadakimasu node konendomo yoroshiku onegaishimasu."

I've been asked to say this to all of my students' parents upon seeing them since it's the start of the new school year. Apparently it's Japanese tradition and very formal upon meeting with parents at the beginning of each year.

It roughly transltes into this:
"From today for one year I will be responsible for your child's education. It is my pleasure to have them and accept this responsibility."