June 19-25, 2006

Hey there everyone

Once again, the week has flown by and I find myself sitting at the computer typing up another weekly email.
Hope everyone enjoyed their week and managed to get all the things done that you set out to achieve.

Last Monday I had a busy day at university, although enjoyed an Indian lunch with my friend Derek who left for the States yesterday. In the evening I met one of my students who I teach English to. I am really enjoying the contact hours with my students, and very happy to say that they are improving at a rapid pace! They are even talking with Aussie accents!! Must be me I guess!

On Tuesday class took up all of my day once again, before I followed in Mondays routine and taught English until 8pm. Kazuya worked until late, at a party function, so I managed to get some things done without his presence in the room!! haha He has been working 6-day 76 hour weeks recently, in order to save up enough money for his trip to Australia this December and then our endeavours to Canada.

On Wednesday Kazuya and I both had the day off, so again we enjoyed a much needed sleep in. I had to teach English however at 3.30 only for an hour. On Wednesday evening we relaxed with a movie.

Thursday I had two long classes at uni before a meeting with all the students and some teachers in my program, detailing all of the accounts we have to close, things we have to retrun etc before leaving the country. Once again I went to meet one of my students. We sat at a cafe listening to a Summer Concert - small band and solo singer. Really nice atmosphere. Her name is Kaori and out of absolute chance, she will be flying on the same plane as me when I fly back to Australia. Incredible. She will spend 5 days in Sydney on holiday.

On Friday I had one class at uni and an english lesson to teach, before heading out to a Japan-Australia Inter-cultural Get-Together Concert. Saw an Aussie guy play the didgeridoo and banjo, as well as another guy recite some famous Aussie poems. The Japanese contributed to the evening with traditional shamisen performances, samurai propoganda and calligraphy. Really enjoyed the night, and glad Kazuya took the evening off work to spend it with me.

On Saturday I spent all day completing a presentation, studying for two exams, and a quiz and preparing a debate! They are all due this week! I have 8 assessments this week to complete! It is my last week at Waseda, so by this time next week I will be on holidays yet again. Last night I headed out with Kazuya to a friend's house party before heading to Ageha Club for an all-night rave. Fun stuff but extremely tired when the sun came up at 4.30am and we were still dancing!Arrived home a little after 6am and have slept all day today!

This week is a busy week, so need to complete some more study tonight.
Before I return home, I am intending to climb Mount Fuji, ravel to Okinawa for a few days and my grandpa is coming to Tokyo to visit me for 5 days. Then I am home!!

Take care everyone and speak soon..
Tim
xxxxx

June 5-18, 2006

Hey there everyone

Well another two weeks have flown by since I last emailed, so I think now is the time to do so.
I have had a fantastic two weeks doing so many different things and really enjoying my final weeks here in Japan.

Uni has kept me busy with numerous tests, exams and essays to write, and I have a few more to finish and prepare for over the next two weeks also. I finish uni on Friday 30th June and have my graduation the next day at Waseda. I must admit that about 4 weeks ago I was looking forward to going home, and seeing everyone again, family etc but I am sorry to say that because of the last two weeks, I have realised that all the friends and people in my life here now I have to say goodbye to in a month or so. I actually dont want to go home!!

This feeling of "comfortableness" in my life right now was accentuated last week when I performed in the Waseda International Festival. Over two big nights we had about 600 people pack the theatre to watch a number of performances. I performed a Soran-bushi dance, which is a traditional dance from Hokkaido. Absolutely loved doing it, and it gave me a great opportunity to be apart of a group production again, just like I always did in high school.Made a lot of good friends, and a few closer ones too, and just overall really enjoyed being apart of the production. Our group practised for 5 weeks, and we pulled it off last Tuesday night with a great performance to follow on from the Monday night's performance. Kazuya came to watch me, as did 3 friends from my guesthouse and one of my English students. My close friend Tatsuya also came to support us, so it was really nice to have them there (as replacements for my family! haha)

Last weekend was big with the performance preparations. I also helped out in organising an Australian booth to introduce Aussie culture and aboriginal history. That little project went well, and even better on the Tuesday night following our classic defeat of Japan in the soccer!On Monday night following the performance I headed to a Japanese mates house to watch the game. Surrounded by about 20 Japanese, when Australia clinched victory I wasnt the most popular person in the room! But had a great night with everyone. Missed my last train, so crashed at a friend's house.
Tuesday night was another big one - after the performance we all headed out to a Nomikai - pub - and drank till late to celebrate the success of the concert. Had a ball, and even a few tears - everyone is heading home soon, so of course that feeling mixed with the alcohol conjured up some emotions!!

Wednesday was my day off (from uni) so I enjoyed a much needed sleep-in before teaching English for a few hours. Thursday flew by with classes all day before I met my friend Tatsuya for dinner.

Kazuya has been working a lot lately, but is managing to save well. He loves his job dearly.

On Friday I had uni and my part-time job, before heading out for drinks for a friend's birthday. Good for everyone to make it to his party - Derek - as he is heading back to the States this weekend. Stayed out late yet again and enjoyed everyone's company. Kazuya works till late on Fridays.

And then yesterday I spent most of the day studying and catching up on homework before heading out with Tatsuya again and a few other mates to a club. Rainy season here, which means lots of people wanting to get out of their homes and come clubbing!! Spent all night dancing away before catching the first train back home this morning at 5am.

This week is busy yet again, including a big dance party next Saturday night which Kazuya can come to!!! He is taking next Sunday off from work, so we can stay out all night together.

Take care everyone and speak soon
Tim
xxxxx

May 22-June 4, 2006

Hello everyone (at long last)

So its been two weeks since I wrote to you all last. Time has flown by as usual. I finish at Waseda University in just 4 weeks, and then will fly back to Australia on July 25th. Not long to go. To tell you the truth I am not overly excited about going home, as I enjoy my lifestyle now, but I do love Australia, so I guess once I make it home, my feeling will change.

The last 2 weeks have been spent primarily going backwards and forwards from place to place, meeting to meeting, practise to practise. I continue to teach English with my private students and at the YY English School. That has kept me busy over the past weeks. One of my students last week told me she *loved* me - great position to be in - although I am not interested, must admit that I love the attention!! haha
As I said in the last email, I have also joined a dance group, traditional Yosakoi Japanese dance. We will perform in 2 weeks at the International Festival, so the practises have been fairly hectic recently. I have practise on Monday and Saturday nights, and I must admit that the workout keeps me in shape. To counteract the muscle pain I have been getting as a result of too much walking around and use of my legs, I have been going to the gym as often as I can to warm them up before the practice. It certainly makes a big difference. I dont cramp as much now.

I have also taken the initiative to introduce Kazuya to spanish dancing - salsa etc. I learnt some when I was in Costa Rica, but wen my friend said that there were lessons available at Waseda uni, I jumped at the chance! Kazuya and I attend the sessions every Tuesday evening - 90 minutes of spanish/latin moves - Kazuya absolutely loves it, and sees it as a good way to relieve stress.

Speaking of relieving stress, last Wednesday Kazuya and I went to a *hot yoga* session. Designed as a session to get rid of the toxins that polute our bodies, the room is set at 40 degrees! For 90 minutes we sweated it out bug time, learning 26 different yoga poses. I felt very dizzy at the end of the session, but after cooling off, also felt relaxed and almost stress-free. Following the session, had lunch out with 2 friends who invited us to the yoga session. Beautiful Italian restaurant at Ginza. Pizzas, pastas, oils and breads filled us up!

Have volunteered my services for the International Festival - helping set up a booth to promote Australia as a tourist destination. Taking a lot of planning to get it all set up, but should be really good once we put it all together. The festival will take place on June 12 and 13.

My friend Ben arrived in Tokyo last night as he is here on business until Wednesday. We went out last night together, and met a few other friends too. Ended up being an all-nighter - lots of drinks and dancing - good night all round. Unfortunately we didnt come home together (if you know what I mean). He met someone, so I came home by myself. Kazuya didnt come out with us as he has been working a lot recently and is very tired.

It is Kazuyas birthday this Monday 5th June so I have booked a hotel room at the 5 star Pan Pacific Hotel in Yokohama to celebrate! It is a surprise, so I hope he enjoys it. So we will stay there tomorrow night - and then on Monday we will head to Kamakura to the beach and to see all the flowers blooming.
Its becoming increasingly hotter here everyday, and we often have thunderstorms which cools down the air. The rainy season starts next week and will continue right throughout June.

This week is busy once again....so I guess I will speak to you all next week.
Tim
xxxx

May 15-21, 2006

Hey everyone

Yet another week over...scary how fast the year is cruising along.
I hope everyone is well and you are all keeping busy with youre daily endeavours...
This week has been quite hectic, lately I have been finding myself not getting home before 9pm, after leaving the house at 8am!!

Last Monday I had uni all day, before some dance practise. Yes! You read right! I have joined the Waseda International Dance Group - there is an International Festival coming up in 3 weeks, and I decided that my dancing skills should be put to the test again. We had a practise from 6-8pm, which is quite late but it was still quite warm. I still dont know the whole dance yet, it goes for over 10 minutes! The contents are based on traditional Okinawan dance. We will perform at the festival on the 12th and 13th of June.I have also volunteered to administer a booth to promote Australia and Australian tourism. I have a few volunteers to help me, and we were able to get some materials from the Australian Embassy to use, so should work well.

On Tuesday I had uni all day again, this time from 9-6pm! But I enjoyed a very interesting lecture in my social development class - a presentation from a professor about how local cultures of the world are being destroyted by globalisation, and the continual trend towards all things *American*Got me thinking....

Wednesday Kazuya had the day off, so we went to the gym together - I was still very sore from the dance practise on Monday night - so good to do some cardio training and shake out the pain! I had to teach English in the afternoon to some young students I have so dashed off to do that. I then coached another student of mine at 6pm - she is a great girl, always tries really hard, and on Wednesday night she made me some incredible pasta sauce - that I used in my cooking yesterday!Following the lesson, Kazuya and I ate dinner out at a Yakiniku restaurant - all you can eat (as always) and this time all you can drink - for only $15! A really nice eat!

On Thursday I had a few classes at uni which kept me busy until the afternoon; then I hit the study books in the library as had a few hours to kill. I met my usual student on Thursday night and did a two hour session with her. I really enjoy teaching and helping people, but unfortunately that desire will not translate into a career in teaching - I would prefer to change the world in other ways!I made it home late, but Kazuya cooked me dinner once again - beautiful salmon and salad which was a nice end to the day.

On Friday I had one class at uni - my Japanese grammar class - before heading back to Shinkoiwa to teach two lessons at the YY English School. I was feeling really tired, winding down for the weekend, but managed to keep my patience with the small kids for 2 hours. I had a special lesson on Friday night with a new student which was a bit of a challenge, as he doesnt know much English at all - not even conversational. But I managed to get through that one as well.

On Saturday I got some much needed study preparation done for a big exam I have this Tuesday - on the United Nations - and I must do well, as thats where and who I want to work for in the future!Following that I had a re-contract meeting with Kazuya - we had to sign some papers regarding our room rent - that was boring as, but what happened after the meeting was simply baffling....Yesterdays weather until 4pm was bright, sunny and extremely hot - about 28 degrees. When we entered the office at 3pm, the sun was out and shining, not a cloud in the sky. We finished up the meting at 4pm, and walked outside into a typhoon!! The first *mini typhoon* of the Japanese wet season - lasting until end of June! We ran to the station which took 10 minutes - driving rain, and I mean driving (so much it hurt my skin), gail forced winds and lightning - I was scared as!! Got saturated to the bones, and spent the next 4 hours drying off!I had never experienced such a dramatic change in the weather ever!Kazuya and I eventually met a friend at Shinjuku - and had dinner at a Korean restaurant. We then went out for a drink at a small bar and chatted away for a few hours.

Today I got some more study done this morning before attending another dance practise for the International Festival. I am really really tired right now - my legs ache! But thats the name of this game!
This week is set to be busy once again, I probably wont get a nice break from studying or teaching until I graduate from Waseda University at the end of June. Only a few weeks to go now, but it seems like a lifetime away! And that suits me fine...

Until next week everyone, take care and keep in touch!
Tim.

May 1-14, 2006

Hey all!

Well I havent written for 2 weeks - but I have an excuse!! I was away on holidays! Seems these days that I spend a lot of time away - and I do! Well I am trying to see as many places as I can, and whenever I have any extended time off from uni, I try and go somewhere.2 weeks ago Kazuyas grandma died, so he rushed back to Yamaguchi to be with his family. He and I had planned to go to Yamaguchi just 1 week later, but because of his grandmas sudden death, he left before me. So on May 3 I left on the train and visited my host family in Okayama.It was great to see them after 4 months since I was there last (when my mum and Karen came to Japan). Things havent changed at their house much; my host mum welcomed me as usual and took me to some nice sites.

I visited Himeji Castle, one of the oldest in Japan, and also went to the Shizutani School - now a historical site, but was built 300 years ago as a place to educate all the local country people. Very interesting place.Also met up with a few friends and went to the *Aussie Bar* - yes you readright - a bar run by a couple of Aussie blokes - great to go there and havea VB (imported!) and speak a bit of Aussie English!! I also visited my host brother at his new bar - he opened it up a few months ago and business is roaring at the moment.I left Okayama on May 6 and went to Yamaguchi to see Kazuyas family. They were such nice people and accommodated me greatly, even though they had lost a loved one just a week before.Kazuyas dad looks very young, and his mum is just a true fighter - she hasnever left Yamaguchi - she works hard all day long and attends to all the familys needs - typical country Japan housewife!

Kazuya and I had a great time together - he introduced me to all his family,and cousins and we had a party the first night I was there. It was great for me to visit as noone in the family had ever met a *foreigner* before!!!! Iwas the talk of the town! haha Kazuya and I went to the beach one day (nothing like Aussie ones!), and to a hot spring the next. Great to relax. We did karaoke, visited an outdoor restaurant, pitched under the trees and stars and ate traditional Japanese food. We also hired a car one day and went on a road trip to a small country town known for oranges and pottery. We designed and decorated a clay cup and visited a 5 story pagoda in Yamaguchi which is over 600 years old! I also tried some prawn flavoured ice cream - definately recommended!!

Kazuya and I flew back to Tokyo last Wednesday (10th) on a flight that had me a little scared - lots of fog at Hiroshima Airport and turbluence much of the way home...good to be back on the ground again!So the end of last week was busy for me as I had to catch up on a lot of homework - including a report and study for a few tests.On Friday after uni I taught English from 3-9pm - very tiring but rewardingI guess. On Saturday night Kazuya and I went out to a party at a friendsplace - the theme was *Mexican* so we enjoyed guacomole and nachos galore - really had a good night!And yesterday I volunteered once again, this time just a one-day event at a community hall north of Tokyo. Woke up early and caught the train an hour and a half away....worked with young and older kids all day, introducing Australian culture, foods, and animals, including showing them a DVD of Ayers Rock and The Alice. They were all thrilled!! Had a really good day, and loved playing games with them and feeling like a real kid again!This week sees the agenda packed - including some sumo, a few important meetings, a code (Da Vinci), study, teaching, and eating!!!

More news next week guys - keep in touch and let me know what you are all up to!Hope everyone rang or saw their mums yesterday for Mothers Day - I must admit I almost forgot! The beauty of mobile phones though!

Tim
xxxxx

April 24-30, 2006

Hey there everyone

I apologise to those of you who I wrote back to late during the week. My internet connection had been down until today, so I had no access. Hope you are all keeping well.

This week has flown by as usual and I dont know where the time has gone. Last Monday and Tuesday I was busy with uni all day, including a major debate in one of my classes on whether the United Nations is needed in the international system. I argued that we do need it, and we won the debate! Happy about that! Considering I want to work there in the future, it was a good sign that everyone was supportive of its continuation.

I taught English on Monday night to one of my regular students and again had another lesson at the YY School on Wednesday and Friday which kept me busy, while being able to save some money too.

Kazuya had the day off on Wednesday, so we went for a long walk along the river and relaxed together. He bought a bike earlier in the week so I used that to ride to the English school for work.

Thursday and Friday I had uni again, and taught English both days once class had finished.

On Friday night I met up with some new friends and we headed to Ageha, a massive club for the boys, if you know what I mean. It holds about 6, 000 people, and includes 3 massive dancefloors and an outdoor pool, which featured some frolicking young men. Madonna performed at this club when she recently came to Japan, and we were treated to a performance by Matsuda Seiko, Japans biggest gay pop icon. The appropriately named *darkroom* was an inticing place to be but one I managed to avoid. Kazuya wasnt with me as he had to work. I joined 3 friends, one whom works at the SILS office at my uni. A nice guy.We danced until 6am before catching the first train home!! I slept all day on Saturday to revitalise myself, before going to another party last night. My friend Hiro, whom I met in Australia, hosted the party and I didnt stay out much past 1am as my legs were very sore from all the dancing from the previous night. Both great parties though.

This week it is Golden Week in Japan, a series of public holidays beginning on Wednesday. I am going away with Kazuya for one day to Kamakura this Wednesday, before travelling down south to see my host family in Okayama and then to go and meet Kazuyas family in Yamaguchi on Monday-week. Will be away for about 7 days. Flying back into Tokyo on Wednesday 10th May.

Have a great week everyone and speak soon
Tim
xxxxx

April 17-23, 2006

Hello everyone

Nice to hear from you all during the week. Hope everyone had a nice Easter last weekend, and for those Aussies and New Zealanders I am emailing this week, its ANZAC DAY this Tuesday. An important day for me, to remember my pop George Nuss!
Anyway, I had another hectic week this week. Although as everyone keepstelling me its better to be busy tha idle.

Last Monday and Tuesday I had uni from 9am - 5pm and then I taught English both nights to a private student. She is studying really hard with her English, even though it doesn't always make sense!! On Tuesday evening we had another wine party here with my housemates. We all buy a bottle of wine and some snacks and just chat about anything really. I enjoy it, and its always great to be able to debate in another language.

On Tuesday I also had an interesting lecture on Social Development, and Itake another class called International Organisations & Japan which focusses mainly on the United Nations. I really love those subjects and they have got me even more interested into the workings and trappings of the UN.

On Wednesday Kazuya had the day off, and I did too so we went for a longwalk (about 2 hours) and tired ourselves out! I had to teach English at theYY School in the afternoon and so I had a lesson with 2 small kids. Theytried really hard and made the lesson enjoyable!

Thursday uni dominated my schedule with classes from 9am - 4pm. My lastlecture was a gruelling 2 hour speil on European Integration and ForeignPolicy! As if thats not a mouthful!! Enjoyed the lecture, apart from thelecturer who is about 200 kilos and kept wiping his forehead from sweat!!Thursday evening I had another private student who I teach English too.Raking the money in!!

Friday I raced around the countryside, to an early lecture at 10am which Iconsidered too easy for me - Japanese Grammar actually, so I took aplacement test after the class and got bumped up a level. Good news. I came back to Shinkoiwa and taught two English lessons at the YY School before travelling 2 hours north to Hachiouji to visit a friend's place for dinner.He had been asking me for ages to visit him, so I kept my promise!I eventually made the return trip after dinner and got home at 1am!!!!Exhausted.

Yesterday and today have been spent catching up on homework and a bit of Japanese study. I have a presentation to give this week on "Tokyo's Trains and the Rush Hour!" and then a debate on Tuesday about whether we need the United Nations or not. Of course I am arguing the affirmative!!

Now I am about to go and teach another student, so I better get going.Take care everyone and say in touch.
Tim!
xx

April 10-16, 2006

Hey everyone

What have you all been up to this week? Good to hear from most of you during the week....
This week was slow cause I have been battling the cold the last few days. My weekend wasn't that exciting as I just recovered and did a bit of study. I declined on many "social events" so I am disappointed about that.

The start of the week was much better. On Tuesday and Wednesday Kazuya had the day off so we went out and around Tokyo and saw some interesting things. Visited a Beer Museum and Photography Museum on Tuesday which I enjoyed. Had a taste of some Yebisu Japanese beer - not as good as the stuff we brew at home! Had a nice lunch at a Nepalese Restaurant - really good food - much like, but different to Indian. Went to see Brokeback Mountain on Tuesday night - liked the movie, but thought it travelled too fast - covered too much ground in just 2 hours! Has anyone seen it?

On Wednesday Kazuya and I had lunch at a Yakiniku bar - all you can eat meats and salads - very nice. Filled ourselves up. Caught up with a friend who we hadnt seen for ages.
I had my first day of uni in 10 weeks on Thursday - didnt recognise my teacher, and she didnt recognise me!!
I have got a new job as I said in last week's email, teaching English at one of the local English schools. So, I worked there on Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon. The money is great, about $25-30 per hour! I also have 5 students who I teach privately, so had a session on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with one girl. This week I am teaching English everyday - either through my private students, or at the school. I am really enjoying it, and surprisingly, it actually helps my Japanese! Anything they don't understand in English, I say in Japanese to reinforce their learning.

Well take care everyone - those that are in Australia, hope you had a good long weekend and enjoyed Easter. I didn't do anything special here.

Till next week
Tim
xx

April 3-9, 2006

Hey there everyone!

Had another busy week, but as always lots of fun. What did everyone else get up to? Great to hear from most of you during the week - keep in touch!
This week past by so quickly - on Monday I spent the day studying - but Tuesday evening I went out to dinner with Kazuya before going to watch a play at Waseda University - it was acted by Western actors an actresses, but about a Japanese family set during the Edo Period. It was a really interesting play.
On Wednesday I studied again and then had an English lesson - one of my private students. That work is gong well, and this week I picked up anotherprivate student - so now I have 4!

On Thursday Kazuya had the day off, so we went to the Tsukiji Fish Markets in the morning to see all the local seafood being carted off around the country. I took my mum and Karen there back in January when they came to Japan.We then went to a sushi bar to sample some of the local fresh produce!Before lunch, we visited the Edo-Tokyo museum - a very large-scale museum depicting the history of Tokyo from the Edo period of Tokugawa Ieyasu to modern-day living. A very interesting place to learn a bit more about the history and culutre of Tokyo through the times.As it was a realy beautiful day, we walked to the next station and hadlunch, before doing 30 minutes of karaoke for $2 and then a game ofbowling!! Kazuya beat me at bowling (by 2 points as usual!)In the evening, I met a Japanese friend and we went to the TokyoMetropolitan Art Space - a huge concert hall - to watch a classicalorchestra play. His girlfriend was playing the violin in it, so that wasnice. Free tickets too!

On Friday I started my new job - teaching English at the local EnglishSchool. I had 2 lessons - each with 3 little kids - so about 2 hours work intotal, and I received $60!! The money is EXTREMELY good, thats why many foreigners come to Japan to teach English. On Friday night I had a meeting at univesity, as I am participating in the International Festival - I am organising an Australian stall.Should be fun. We all went out after the meeting for dinner and drinks -lots of fun!

And yesterday, Saturday, I did some study before meeting 2 friends fordinner - Thai food - and then going clubbing. The clubs and bars in Japan arequite small, compare to back home, but we always manage to have lots of fun! I missed the last train, so stayed out till 4.30am with my friend going to a few different clubs - very very tired! Got home at 5.30 am just as Kazuya was waking up to go to work!!!!

Today I have rested, and I will teach English to another private student ofmine this afternoon.

Take care everyone and stay in touch!
Tim
xxx

March 27-April 2, 2006

Hello again everyone

Nice to keep in contact with everyone - thanks for those people who replied to last week's email. I am in the process of building own website, and it will feature a small BLOG, so I will add these emails to it soon.

Last week was very hectic, even though I am STILL ON HOLIDAYS!!
On Monday I had an interview at an English School - for a position as part-time teacher. I got the position thankfully and start their in 2 weeks. I will be teaching young kids from ages 3-10. It sounds really exciting, the hours are very flexible and the pay is amazing - $25-35 per hour!

On Tuesday I unwound from my trip away and did a bit of cooking for Kazuya (as he worked all day long). As usual, I studied, because I have an exam the first lesson back at uni which will decide the level of Japanese I am at and ultimately the class I am placed in.

Kazuya bought some ON SALE Dvd's whil I was away, so on Monday night we watched "Roman Holiday" - had never seen it, and on Tuesday night we watched "Love Story" - not a love story at all but a piece of trash!!! Good choice Kazuya!

On Wednesday I volunteered yet again - this time I went to Waseda Uni to help out the new exchange students with their preparations. Met some nice Australian kids who wll be at Waseda for the next year. Some seemed overwhelmed by the new scenes and new faces, but some were cocky and didn't really seem to care if I was there or not! Typical of exchange students though.. Had fun getting to know some new students - definately some new faces I will be seeing around campus. Came back home and relaxed with a DVD - "The Last Samurai" - saw it a few years ago when Iwas in Japan, but Kazuya wanted to see it.

On Thursday I met up with some friends whom I did the volunteer project with in Miyazaki in early February. Great to see them again - we headed to Ueno Park to part-take in HANAMI - it means "flower viewing" - this time of the year in Japan (Spring) all the sakura are out and blooming. They look stunning. The sakura tree blooms white and pink flowers and they brighten up the usually dull Tokyo skyline. So we sat down in the park with a packed lunch and a few beers and really took in this ancient tradition. Many years ago, the Geisha would entertain guests under the sakura at this time of the year. We decided our packed lunch didnt fil us up, so we had a coffee and then went to a sushi bar!! How typical of a Japanese!!!

On Friday I met up with a friend and we played tennis. Hadn't played for about 4 weeks, so following the 2 hour match, I was very sore! Then went to a games parlour and played table tennis -bet the court hire that I would win - I lost - so ended up paying the lot!!! Friday night, Kazuya brought home some snacks and another DVD he bought - "The Next Best Thing" starring Madonna - loved the movie, if not for a very very complicated plotline - has anyone seen it? Madonna plays the part of a single woman who ends up sleeping with her gay friend, and falls pregnant to his baby. She ends up having his baby, but it turns out the baby is someone elses. The movie goes into the custody battles between 2 fathers and Madonna!! Funny stuff! Does this mean that our lives are normal??? hahaha

On Saturday Kazuya had the day off, so we went out to Yasukuni Shrine - a controvrsial decision on my part. The Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi recently visited there on a personal appointment, which sent the Chinese government into hysteria. At the shrine are buried (enshrined) a number of World War II Japanese soldiers who, to the Japanese, are seen as heroes, but, to the Chinese are seen as war criminals. They raped and killed many Chinese civilians in Nanking. You probably all have heard of this before. So, I decided to go visit! I agree with the Chinese, yet, since I wasn't alive during WWII I feel it doesnt really concern me. The place was packed as usual...but I enjoyed the visit.
Kazuya and I walked through the nearby Park, and took in the Spring sunshine - it has been very warm and sunny here lately - can't wait for the Summer! We visited the Imperial Palace, before having lunch at an all-you-can-eat Asian buffet restaurant. The best food I have had for ages, and even better, cause I could pig out all for just $15!!

We then went and watched a movie - "A Sound Of Thunder" - not the best movie I have seen, but a new concept - you should go and see it if you get the chance.

And yesterday I had a day full of parties - as I got the job at the English School last Monday, we had a welcome party for the new teachers there - a lunch buffet. Nice to meet the new teachers - there were 9 people there, but no one was from the same country!! Isn't that incredible! We had a Russsian, Peruvian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Phillipino, Korean and a lady from Finland!! And me from Australia! Isn't that incredible! Felt like the United Nations! Now I know what to expect! The ladies had been in Japan for about 10-15 years as they had got married to Japanese men. Very interesting, considering they were struggling with the language. Don't know why they hadn't learned it after so long!!
Last night we had a sushi party at my accommodation - another welcome party - because everyone has now officially moved in! Nice to meet everyone. Went to bed very late at the end of another hectic week.
This week is my last week on Spring break before I go back to uni.

I have uploaded more photos to My Gallery. Check it out:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=qe7k4zy.12ch28wq&Uy=-5p1le9&Ux=1
There are a number of albums to select. (The link MAY not work)

Take care everyone and keep in touch
Tim
xxxx

March 13-26, 2006

Hey there everyone

Been 2 weeks since I wrote a group email and contacted you all. I have had a very busy 2 weeks as usual, so will fill you in ons some of it.
As I am still on holidays, I spent most of mid March catching up with friends, and studying a bit too.

My friend Kanae came to visit me for a day and we had dinner together. It was nice to see her again. She is coming to Australia for one year - she'll study at ANU in Canberra. A few days later my friend Takuya came to Tokyo and we spent the day catching up and then he stayed here at my apartment overnight. That was 2 weekends ago. I was meant to travel to an island next to Tokyo on the weekend of 18th/19th March for a volunteer project, but as the weather was really bad, decided not to go.

Instead, travelled to Maebashi (2 hours North of Tokyo) to stay at Takuya's place. Stayed there for 10 days and did a lot of fun things with him and his family. We went bowling, played snooker and table tennis, scared myself silly at the movies by watching "Emily Rose" and I attended Takuya's sister's school graduation ceremony. That was an interesting experience, especially having 35 high school girls screaming at you cause you're a foreigner!!

Last weekend (19th March), his family took me away to a beautiful temple town called Zencouji. We visited the temply there, which features an underground passageway beneath the altar. It is pitch black and 150 metres long. You have to walk through it, feeling the wall to try and find the "golden key" It is said that if you find it, you receive eternal salvation - unfortunately I wasn't lucky enough to find it!! We also sampled some yummy Japanese treats while there.

And this past few days I spent away in a mountainous village called Takayama with Takuya's family. We drove north to the hot springs village for a 2 days break. Stayed in a traditional Japanese inn - also known as a Ryokan - and sat in the hot springs at night, gazing at the stars - incredible!! Also jumped in to the spings the next morning at 6am!!! Warmer in Japan now that Winter is over, but in Takayama there is still 1-2 metres of snow left over! Amazing.

At the Ryokan we savoured a traditional Japanese meal - sushi, and buttered meat, rice galore and lots of small vegetable side dishes - very nice. Very healthy.
I arrived back in Tokyo late last night - Kazuya has been working very hard, and will have to work for the next 9 days straight!
I had planned to go to Kouchi and Okayama this week, but as I spent 10 days away with Takuya, I have decided to postpone that trip until May.
I still have holidays for the next 2 weeks.

Hope everyone is going well. Take care and speak soon.
Tim
xxxx

March 6-12, 2006

Hey everyone

Another week has gone by without even seeming like a day! Time goes way to fast I have firmly decided! How was everyone's week?I have setled into my new apartment with Kazuya and we are really enjoying it.Last week I had a fairly relaxing one in terms of social activities - not too much was planned.I have been concentrating on my studies, my website, and cooking! Of all things!!I am currently studying for the Japanese Proficiency Test which I will take in December back in Australia. It is the second highest level for foreigners, so I have to work hard now to ensure I am fully prepared.I have been cooking for Kazuya most nights. He finishes work at 5pm and getshome right on 6 o'clock, so I have used my time to prepare a few specials! Idid pasta, fried rice, and nachos last week, which were a big improvement onpast endeavours!!!
So I'm slowly winning myself back into the good books of cooking! lolI went out last Tuesday night with Kazuya's friends who came up from down South to see him. We went to a nice English pub in the city which was a ice change from all this Japanese food!On Friday Kazuya had the day off, so I had planned to invite a few friends round for lunch, to see the new place, and just catch up in general. Was a nice lunch with 6 friends showing up and cooking some yummy food for us all to enjoy. We pigged out on pasta, smoked salmon, capsicum rolls (nice!) and french desserts!! Went down well!
Also made it to the movies on Friday night after the party with Kazuya to seeNania - a remake of the old BBC version, which was a television movie of theC.S.Lewis book "The Lion, The Witch,and The Wardrobe" - liked the movie very much.There are a lot of movies coming out soon that I wanna see - Pirates of the Carribean 2, Emile Rose, Pseudonim and The Da Vinci Code! What's on everyoneelse's lists?Saturday I stayed in as it was quite windy and cold (although now Spring), but made it out at night for a cook-up at a friend's house. Made all sorts of yummy food (again) and then crashed in front of the telly for a scray DVD- always good for a Saturday night! Caught the last train home and warmed upin bed...!I have now got another student who I am teaching English to, so that brings the total to 4 now. Teach them each once a week, so it brings me a little extra cash.This week promises to be a busy one, as I am going away on Friday for the weekend on another volunteer project - this time to an island off the Tokyo coast - we will be planting trees and doing some environmental conservation for the weekend. Will be lots of fun I am sure.Got a friend coming to see me from Maebashi - for those of you who know - Takuya - and he will stay a few days. Will be good to see him as haven't methim since start of 2004.I stil have another 4 weeks of holidays, so I am determined to fit in as much as I can. My trip to see my host family in Okayama and an Aussie friendin Shikoku is coming up at the end of March.Hope everyone had a good week and everyone is keeping safe.

Take care and keep in touch.
Tim
xxxxxxx

February 20-26, 2006

Hey there everyone

Well this week has been an interesting one. Kazuya came to Tokyo lastTuesday and he has now "officially" moved in with me. We are very happy boutthat. We have also found some cheap, but very spacious accommodation - aroom including a verandah and all new facilities - located on the other sideof where I currently am in Tokyo. It is only 25 mns from my uni and close toKazuya's new work. We will move in this weekend.Apart from that, the last few days have been spent with Kazuya - we wentbowling, at out a lot and visited a beautiful Mosque in Shinjuku. Yesterdaywe got a great characterteur done of us at Yokohama - absolute classic!!Have included that as an attachment (hope you can download it)Weather is warming up here in Tokyo, Spring is just around the corner. Totell the truth, I can't wait for it!!Anyways, hope everyone is keeping safe and well. Have kept this weekly emailshort and sweet this week.Take care and keep in touch.

Tim
xxxxxx

February 8-22, 2006

Hey everyone

Been 2 weeks since I emailed everyone and said hello. I have actually beendown in the very South of Japan doing a volunteer project. I was there from the 8th of February and just got back tonight. I went with a friend from uni and joined up with 9 other Japanese and Korean volunteers. We stayed in the local hall in a very nice little town called Aya on the island of Kyushu in Southern Japan. The town had a population of just 7, 000 and prides itself on its extensive organic farming technologies and practises.The 10 of us helped out on the local farms, and in a local greenhouse,removing weeds etc which create so many problems for organic farmers.We also helped set up a gym ready for a soccer clinic, did the ghastly jobof cleaning a horse racing track fence that hadnt been cleaned for 20years!!!!!!!! We visited a local primary school and entertained the kids allday with games, including a visit to a massive hill nearby to the schoolwhich we slid down on cardboard boxes!!

We experienced some cultural aspects of the town, including a ceremony at the shrine, which was very nice, and riding bikes everyday to the localonsen (hot springs) to bathe.
Really had an awesome time down there volunteering again and getting achance to meet so many new people.
I made my way back up to Tokyo myself, opting to take the long way (noplane), but instead a car ferry from Miyazaki Port to Osaka and then an8-hour highway bus ride today from Osaka to Tokyo.I am very tired now....

Got tomorrow free before Kazuya comes here on Tuesday. He has an interview for a new job here in Tokyo, so hope all goes well with that. He will stay in my room here at Ogikubo until the 5th March, and then we will move together into our new accommodation at Higashi Koganei - about 10 minutes further along the train line from here. Looking forward to the change, and to be able to live with him here in Tokyo.

I have holidays for the next 7 weeks, so I am planning on staying here inTokyo until the end of March, settling in with Kazuya and studyingetc....before heading down south again, this time to see my host family inOkayama and then to visit an Aussie mate down in Shikoku; one of Japan'sfour islands. He lives in Kouchi, which is a nice beach town! Lookingforward to that....
Hope everyone is going well and keeping safe. For all my Aussie mates, thesummer must be almost winding down by now??

Take care and keep in touch everyone
Tim
xxx