August 14-20, 2006

A great week catching up with lots of friend and getting a new job!

Had an interview at Woolworths during the week, and upon acceptance into the job had a big training day on Saturday. Glad to secure the job - Long Life night filler and cashier at the Belrose store - within walking distance so I am very happy about that.

Also have a lot of car washing and gardening jobs that have been keeping me busy over the past 2 weeks or so. I used to teach English to a Japanese couple before I left for Japan, and they have asked if I could teach them again. I do a session with them every Monday night now, so thats lots of fun, and also helps my finances out!

Been busy at uni this week - even though I am there for only 2 1/2 days a week. Lots of assessments to finish and hand in.

On Friday night I managed to catch up with my friend Tania who I hadn't seen for over a year. She travelled all throughout Europe recently, so was great to see all her photos and talk about all her adventures! Caught up with a few other friends as they came round for drinks.

Last night I met a friend for a few drinks in the city and we ended up staying out all night dancing at a club. Haven't had an all-nighter for a while, so came home early this morning very tired!!

This Wednesday have a friend coming out from Japan to stay for about 4 weeks. He came about 5 years ago on exchange and stayed at our place for a fortnight. His family did a lot for me when I was in Japan, so we are happy to host him at our place!

Kazuya is well. He is at the moment considering coming to Australia now - putting off the Canada dream. I have advised him that (of course although he can do whatever he pleases), it IS important to follow your dreams. Love can always come second. Anyways, he will make a decision over the next month.

Another very exciting week this week. Look forward to posting again next week!

Tim
xox

Changes - August 13th

Hey there everyone

I am writing to tell you all some good news! After much discussion, Kazuya and I have decided that our own dreams and goals at this stage are the most important, and that seeing as we are 100% committed to each other, we can afford (emotionally and maybe economically haha) to live in separate countries next year.

I have decided to pursue a Masters Degree in International Relations at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra - beginning next March. The degree is one year and involves no writing of a thesis, although I am considering doing the 2 year Masters degree in International Relations and Diplomacy. I haven't applied for ANU at this stage, but will do in the next few weeks, and then take it from there.

Kazuya will head to Vancouver in January to pursue an English course and Cruise School Management Course. We discussed all of our options, and decided as I couldn't do a degree in Canada (Canadian university semesters don't fit with my schedule) and work is not so abundant (and visa versa Canberra doesn't offer the best opportunities for Kazuya), that we will be able to survive from January until about September.

Kazuya will still come to Australia this December, to stay for Christmas and New Year before departing in early January for Vancouver. I will have an opportunity to visit him in Canada in my winter holiday break next June/July.

Kazuya is happy and I too. Just thought I'd share the news with you....

Tim
xoxoxox

July 26-August 13, 2006

Hello all,

Well I have been back for just over 2 weeks now, and I have slowly re-orientated myself back into Australian life. I have had a few experiences of reverse culture shock, but on the whole things have run fairly smoothly and I have settled in well.

I am keeping busy at university, studying 4 subjects to finish off my International Business major and my Bachelor of International Studies degree. I only have until this November until I officially finish, with the graduation ceremony next year in most likely May.
I have uni 3 days per week, with a total of 11 hours face-to-face teaching. I am reall enjoying my subjects, one of which is focussing on censorship and responsibility in the media and in society. Very interesting.

On the work front, I am helping dad out with his Golf Club cleaning contract, 4 mornings a week as well as keeping my gardening and car washing jobs running too.
I have re-applied for a job at the local Woolworths, following on from my 3 months experience with them in mid 2005. I have also applied to a "temping agency" and have re-submitted my resume to a modelling agency. A few clients for English tutoring is also on the cards.

Family life is great - good to be home sharing all the good times with everyone. I never realised just how much I missed someone walking in the door, or vacuuming the floor, or even someone just turning on the telly! I missed that family aspect while I was in Japan!

I have now officially completed my GOLD Duke of Edinburgh Award, having finalised all the paperwork and being signed off for my previous activities. The award will enhance my resume, and overall has taught me some good camp craft and skills that will help me personally. The award will be given to me at a ceremony most probably by the end of this year.

I have also offered my volunteering services to a Human Rights non-governmental organisation at uni. I have been more interested in this aspect of international relations in recent months, and thought that I could help at the upcoming Human Rights Convention in Sydney this September. Should be fun.

Hope everyone is well and keeping healthy. Stay in touch.

Tim
xoxoxox

July 24-25, 2006

My final two days in Japan have been spent saying too many goodbyes to too many people - but I know that in doing that I have made many new and long-lasting friends here in Japan.

Today is Tuesday and I leave Tokyo having arrived here 1 year ago. My life now is very different to what it used to be, yet in many ways, still the same. I have matured, grown, and developed into someone new. I have learned, seen, and experienced many things that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have created and cultivated ties and bonds that I don't ever want to let go of.

Yesterday was hard as I met up with 4 friends and said goodbye to each of them, each time wondering when the next time I see them will be. I met a friend for lunch - Tatsuya, who has been a great mentor for me over the last few months. I will miss him greatly! I then met my close Italian friend Vanessa! Baneko-chan! She and I did a volunteer project way back in February together. But she was actually the first "friend" I made at Waseda - I met her all the way back in September of last year. It wa very hard to say goodbye to her. Sha'll we meet again in Italy one day!
I then farewelled one of the Japanese guys who volunteered in my class over the course of the past year and then sayd goodbye to my closest English student - Juri.
She is an inspiration to anyone studying English - give it you're all and don't give up!

Last night I then attended a practise session for the dance I performed at the International Festival. Said goodbye to everyone there and performed with them one last time. Lots of good memories!

Made it home in time to spend some quality time with Kazuya. He took the day off today, so we slept in before having lunch out and visiting my original accommodation in Ogikubo - where I stayed when I first came to Japan. Many memories from there also.

We have just arrived home, and I have double checked all my bags and we are about to leave for the airport...

Thanks everyone for reading all my emails and postings over the last year and for replying and keeping in contact.

Look forward to seeing you all soon!

Tim
xxxx

July 17-23, 2006

Well what a week!

Farewelled my grandpa this week as he left Japan on his way back to Singapore. Had a great few days with him here in Tokyo and really enjoyed catching up with him.
Had lunch with a friend on Tuesday and said goodbye to him. A really nice guy I met through a friend a few months ago. Will sure keep in touch with him.
Managed to get to the movuies one last time before leaving Japan, this time watching a movie based on the "sinking of Japan" - a series of major earthquakes hitting the capital, leading to tsunamis and the eruption of Mount Fuji and the total collapse of the Japanese archipelago into the sea. Great concept!! haha
Enjoyed eating out a lot this week, a few times with Kazuya, at our favourite all-you-can-eat places.
Will miss that upon returning to Australia.

On Wednesday Kazuya and I enjoyed a big breakfast he made for us at home, before heading out to the gym for some much needed exercise!
Came back and made our way to the Tokyo Theatre to see a performance of Kabuki. I had never seen it perfomed before, and must say that apart from the lavish costumes, I didn't have a single clue as to what was going on! The Japanese they use is very classic - not even half the Japanese audience there could understand!
Kazuya and I made our way to Waseda University to see a Harp Concert in one of the local Christian churches. Amazing lady performed on the harp, a range of classic and modern pieces. Again, something I had never seen before.
Following that, made our way out to meet some friends for a late dinner at Ben's Cafe - a retro, alternative-style cafe near the university. Enjoyed catching up with them and then saying our goodbyes.

On Thursday I packed more of my bags and did a lot of running around cancelling accounts, and organising myself! Then I joined Kazuya for dinner and some yoga on the beach before heading to the hot springs for a relaxing bath! We wore traditional Japanese dress inside the complex and enjoyed a range of baths.

Friday I had my last class teaching for the YY School which was quite sad - I had really enjoyed my Friday classes - the mums organised a party for me, and gave me some really nice presents, which I was so happy to get.

Following the class, made my way to Shinjuku to meet up with some friends and we went drinking together. Had an awesome night letting go and not having to worry about anything! Will sure miss the freedom and independence that I now have! Managed to catch one of the last trains home - tired and exhausted.

But Saturday was no different! Woke up early and met a friend in the city and we caught a train right to the end of the line. Got off and had a traditional Japanese lunch before climbing Mount Takao - one of the taller mountains in Tokyo (apart from Mount Fuji). A very wet and misty day, but it made the mountain look so mysterious, and at times looked like a scene out of Lord of the Rings!

We prayed at a shrine, and ate Japanese sweets at a small stall before descending the mountain. The total climb and descent took about 5 hours - tiring but well worth the trip! A beautiful natural haven in the heart of Tokyo.

We made our way back into the city and my friend took me to dinner at a Japanese-style pub. We ate fish, squid, Japanese-style pasta, and meats, washing it down with beers! A really enjoyable night. My friend was actually one of my students who I had taught English to over the past few months. I really enjoyed her company, and will greatly miss her.
Kazuya met me at about 10pm and we headed to the clubs for some dancing before catching separate trains home. Another tiring day!

My Sunday was spent sleeping in before heading to the YY School for a farewell lunch and then meeting several friends for dinner at a beautiful restaurant in Ginza for dinner. Nice to see so many of the people who had been friends of mine throughout the year turn up for one last celebration!

Will miss them all greatly!

So another amazing week cruising the streets of Tokyo! Sure am gonna miss it!
Will write once more in 2 days time on my last day here in Japan.

Take care everyone
Tim
xx