Happy Anniversary 日本！

It has officially been a year! There's really only two conclusions I can make. The first is my experience here has been everything and more than I could have ever asked or imagined for. If I had to pack up and go home today I would have no regrets whatsoever. When I left from home last year I got a little bit ahead of myself and thought of the things I would experience and how awesome things could possibly turn out. As it is, things are even more splendid to my previously created outcomes. The second is if I had to go back and make the decision of leaving Toronto again I would do it 10000000 times out of 10000000.


Here's something I definitely won't be doing again though. At least that's all I can hope for...　(I almost forgot about this picture!)

Back from Boracay

I survived the Philippines! And I couldn't be more glad to be home in Japan. After living here for the year I think I've developed a security bubble since everyone here is so kind and friendly. Not to just single out the Philippines, but I think no matter where else I go I'll immediately start feeling unsafe the second I step off the plane.


However it was really fun. Sketchy fun. Haggling left, right, and center to get some kind of offer and trying not be ripped off was of great importance for the past week. I didn't realize tips were also necessary beforehand. And it also seems everyone likes to stare and give people dirty looks here. I was so confused. I don't think I looked that different from everyone else there. I practiced my dirty stare with this crab @_@.


I can see why some people would deem it a paradise and enjoy the beach and night life. The nature and scenery really is wonderful. Happy hour starts at 9:00am and there's live music on the beach every night.


Fruity drink after fruity drink after fruity drink flowed like water. I really miss having access to affordable fresh fruits and I perhaps overdid it a little on the mango, watermelon, and other shakes.


So much delicious food and regular sized portions too! This lobster was dinner on our first night and it was probably the best thing for the rest of the week. There were steaks and pizzas but if my memory serves me correctly "Sir Homard" was definitely the most delicious dinner.


Hanging on to this thing was extremely fun. While being pulled it almost becomes vertical while you're dragged across the ocean. One of the girls fell off while we were riding and her life jacket completely withered off. Lucky for her she could swim... I'm thinking I'd be at the bottom of the ocean if happened to me. Phew!


ZOMG Space Helmets?!?! Unfortunately the underwater camera wasn't that great but the experience was definitely worth it. Probably the closest thing to walking on the moon that I can imagine and feeding the fish was awesome.


Snorkelling! The upper half of my body is cut off but that's alright. I can still taste the salt water going down that tube. Yum!

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.