Tadaima

I've been back in Japan for less than a week now and have already had a lot of great experiences. On my first night back, we celebrated my wonderful roommate's birthday at our favorite local restaurant "Gaucho".
I went to meet a friend from Chicago at a great Izakaya, we made new friends and saw an impressive at the table magic show. I've made some great friends since living in Japan, I went with one of my closest to check out a festival in Yokokama. It was like a team dance competition, with amazing costumes.





We went to check out a bartending "flare" competition on Sunday. I spent a few years bartending in Hawaii, NYC and Chicago, so it was a lot of fun to watch these guys doing crazy tricks. Our friend's boyfriend won the event and will be going to the world championship competition!

Going Home

I returned a few days ago, from a one month visit to my hometown, USA. After having lived in Japan for one year, I was expecting a little culture shock on my return. Fortunately my heathen upbringing, leaves me shocked at almost nothing. I am fortunate to have a large, wonderful and often non-disfunctional family. When I see them, I am reminded of what was, is and always will be the most important aspect of my life. We had multiple "get togethers" at my parents house upon my return, with several welcomed additions to the always changing family tree. Having Japanese family in the United States as well as Japan, gives us a nice blend of culture and food!












My daily activities on my one month heiatus included relaxing, playing with my much missed dog, hanging out with family, running "errands" for my parents and visiting close friends.


















I had the opportunity to fly an ultralight airplane, it's been a goal of mine for quite a while. I felt right at home in the sky and I knew that I had found a new passion in my life. I'm hoping to get a sport pilots license next time I return to the US.

Knockin' on summer's door

Fun in the sun? Not in a suit... I'm seriously considering moving to Hokkaido for the summer. Tokyo is like a giant convection oven in the summer season, a humid hell. For now the weather is pleasant, but my instincts are telling me to plan ahead for the heat. Air conditioning in Tokyo works wonders to cool indoor spaces, but its exhaust only adds to the misery outdoors.

Working in the junior high schools has been interesting, but not as entertaining as working in the elementary schools. The students are warming up to me now and I am also feeling more comfortable with my position in the schools. It is a strange feeling wearing the shoes of a public school teacher, especially when I think about what I was up to at their ages.

I'm shooting for a mid July trip home and I'm really looking forward to seeing my family and friends again.