Short Trip

I just returned from two days of teaching in a city called Shizuoka. Pretty non-descript, generic Japan type of large urban centre. There were a few very impressive temples and shrines in the downtown core. My company paid for hotel was also pretty good. I visited the art gallery downtown http://www.art.shizuoka-city.or.jp/
The view from my balcony is incredible. Mt. Fuji looms large in the distance. The sun rises just to the left so it all glows orange in the morning.

'Maybe you lose finger.'

I used to teach both children and adults at my former job. I got along quite well with most of the adult students. Over time we got to know each other fairly well. One day a woman student of mine informed me of the fact that if a young woman in Japan has tattoos there is the possibility that she may have yakuza associations of some sort. I was advised not to get too intimate with this woman until I was sure of her standing that way. My student's exact words were, "If you rub her, maybe you lose finger." Got it, thanks.

Parents` Observation Week

For the next four teaching weeks I will be joined by the parents, mostly moms, of many of my students. It`s a funny feeling to be singing a song and hopping on one foot in front of 20 people. Sure it will be great prep for whatever employment pursuit follows ESL.
Just moved into a much better apartment today. Looking forward to sleeping through my first full night in 4 months due to excess noise in my previous place. Lined up internet today as well. Should be up and running in about a week. Will post more photos and details when I`m online at home.

Kerosene and Pee Puddles

We use kerosene heaters in some of the classes where I teach. I spilled a bit of the fuel while re-filling the heater one day last week. I let the tank dry out back while I froze my boys off for a class. I wiped it down but there was still a bit on the outside of the tank. I inserted the tank in the heater, clicked on the on switch then ran out the back door of the school, just in case she blew. No problems. There were no students in the school while I was having my fun with explosive liquids.　　A teacher had a little explosion sometime last year, not paying attention.

One poor little girl pee`ed herself while her mom was dropping her off on the same day as the above mentioned episode. Her little footprints stayed dry while a puddle grew around her. For the rest of the day when I opened the school door there were these little dry footprints in a fading pee puddle.

Back Home

Now back home in Kofu. I return to work tomorrow. Got a little sick from my great adventure north. Too much sleeping in train stations and convenience store food.
I am really looking forward to moving apartments on Jan. 16th. My current place has way too much traffic noise. I also convinced my employers to get me a slightly larger apartment.
Putting together my first web site. Really enjoy the diversion it offers. Also some creative outlet there as well. Will post the url as soon as I`m set up.