in the Far East
a little more extended info for you on Japan - so lets start with the fun stuff - those who are interested in some information, mostly with regards to residing - stuff like illiteracy and how to sleep standing upon a train, here it is. Kampai! ...it all begins in town called Yotsukaido..for some orientation, its between Tokyo city and the new international airport. meaning Tokyo was there for me, but I didnt deal with it on a daily basis.
Yotsukaido!!!
and so this was my place of residence for one year...give or take. A rather local one at that - and one the Lonely Planet lists as being mostly suburbia, with little else for tourists. However, while i wasn't occupied spreading knowledge of the English Language I seemed to keep busy! and yes, familiar with some local 'Izakayas'(pubs), which are far cheaper places to have your 'daijockeys'. and of course, 20 minutes on the train always brought interesting 'Narita nights'.
at the local Tsubohachi, Yotsukaido
I wouldn't suggest trying this one...(Barge Inn, Narita city)
oh, those reserved Japanese ladies...
ah yes, and of course Tokyo IS there if i want it...especially for occasions like st pats.
the dreaded train waiting...
...although who needs to go home to sleep, really...
OK, OK. There ARE other things to do with your time than drink. Although it seems to be an integral part of life, when summer arrives festivals seem to abound as much as vending machines.
Lanterns at 'the source' - Hanami in Sakura city(the cherry blossoms are called 'sakura' in Japanese)
children dressed for a fall festival in Sakura city
and on days that it was too hot for that...thankfully my building had a rooftop patio...with a pool. now, some didn't believe me on the latter part, so here is the photographic evidence.
Other diversions...
The bamboo grove in Yotsukaido
Farmhouse with bonsai trees
Nani?
Must be a steak restaraunt...
upon leaving this building in Chiba city, i felt lucky to escape with my life.
My beloved Kame 2000 - 2001
Leading students of all ages astray!
Focus on the whiteboard...
A month in Matsuyama
Another place that is less frequented by tourists - which is fortunate or unfortanate depending on your point of view. Matsuyama is a port city on the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands in Japan. And its a beautiful one, with blue green oceans, some of the northernmost coral, mountains and loads of temples. Famous sights here are the Castle:
and the Dogo Onsen(Hot Springs), which is the oldest onsen in Japan.
Me relaxing with my tea at the Dogo Onsen
The old town of Uchiko makes a good day trip from Matsuyama City. Depending on your train, it takes between 25 minutes and 1 hour one way.
Hangin' on a Saturday - a nice couple I met, at their ethnic shop in Matsuyama, Pandamo Gallery.
My sendoff at Matsuyama Airport - wake up Senba-san!
...and that's a wrap! Oh wait...can't forget about the fame! That being, I am on the flyer for Matsuyama school. Which, will of course mean that my photo is being distrubuted worldwide....:)
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