July 3-9, 2006

Hey there everyone. Well this is my third last email from Japan!!
This week was one of the most whirlwind ones I think I have ever had, but all fun just the same. On Monday Kazuya and I climbed Mt. Fuji - not to the peak, but to the 8th stage - which took us 6 hours return, and a lot of energy! The actual mountain is not the cleanest, hence its rejection as a world heritage site. A lot of garbage and mess on the way up - not too much to be impressed about! However, the views of the countryside around were spectacular.

We came back tired as on Monday evening and enjoyed some Greek food out with a friend - nice warm atmosphere here with the Japanese summer well into swing. Nice sitting out on the balcony enjoying some Greek food.
On Tuesday I did a yoga session at Odaiba on the beach which was extremely relaxing - Kazuya has been going there for the past few weeks as his newly-made friend directs the session. Following that Kazuya and I enjoyed a light breakfast before I went to teach English for a few hours. Usually I don't have any lessons on Tuesday, but I offered to take over for one of the other teachers who is away in Canada at the moment.
In the evening Kazuya and I had dinner with one of my English students...
On Wednesday I slept in, as my friend Emerald is staying here this week and we were both very tired. I had 2 separate lessons of English to teach, so that kept me busy for most of the afternoon, before Kazuya and I met up for dinner - all you can eat Yakiniku (cooked meat). The place is one of our favourite eat spots. Learned about the North Korean missile strikes - which didn't come as a shock I must admit. There is a lot of talk going on here in Japan, but I don't think that too much defiance will continue - not with mounting military and economic pressure against them.
On Thursday Emerald and I had planned to go to a Theme Park North of Tokyo, however for most of the day it rained, so we decided against the idea, and instead had lunch out and did some window shopping at Shibuya. I then went to meet my close friend Tatsuya and we had a coffee before heading out to dinner - I organised to meet a lot of friends for a big group dinner - a nice and easy way to say goodbye to everyone at once!!We had a great night catching up and spending time together, before heading to karaoke until the wee hours of the morning. I have made some really great friends here in Japan, and it will be so sad to leave them - some have already parted.
Friday I slept in again, before doing some stuff around the house and then going to teach English - my two usual classes. In the evening I met another student of mine before coming home for some much needed sleep - have only got about 4-5 hours per night - enjoying the Wimbledon Championships once again this week!
Yesterday morning I left for Maebashi on the train - about 2 hours out of Tokyo to visit a friend of mine. Good timing, as there was a festival going on and so I dressed up in a men's kimono and walked the streets with my friend Takuya and his sister! Had an awesome night with them - eating dinner out at a traditional Japanese restaurant, before heading to karaoke. Another great night.
And today, his family drove me to the Japan Sea - incidentally where the North Korean missiles landed in the ocean - we had a nice seafood lunch and a visit to a museum. Returned home tonight late - have just got in to write this email. Extremely tired, but must say I had a very energetic and social week.
Tomorrow Kazuya and I fly to Okinawa at 8am for 3 days in summer's paradise!!!! Be back Wednesday night, and then my grandpa comes to Tokyo to visit for 6 days.
Take care and keep in touch everyone....
Speak to you all soon.
Timxxxxxx