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."