Driving in Japan

In Japan they drive on the same side of the road as in the UK, so I have no problems there. But there are a few strange things about driving here.  On the one hand they drive slow and I mean really slow. I haven't seen a speed limit over 50kmph (31mph) yet, and in some cases the speed limit is 20kmph (12mph)! But traffic lights are something of an oddity. Japanese people seem to be ok with squeezing through those red lights, which at first glance seems very counter intuitive for the strongly law abiding population. However, from what I understand, it's part of that famous Japanese efficiency. They know there is a little delay between the lights changing and rather than wasting this time, they trend to try and maximise each extra second. Obviously, I don't advise anyone to run a red light though.

Drink driving is Japan is a major no-no and the limit is zero. You drink and drive, and I mean just half a glass, and you could be facing a fine equal to 6 months wages or a 5 year prison sentence. They don't just throw the book at you, they throw the whole library.  

Tsuyama Hanami

Externalising and Songs

I've noticed something very strange is happening to me. Maybe it's because I'm on my own, or maybe it's because 99% of people have not idea what I'm saying (And visa-versa), but I have developed an external monolog! I'm talking to myself, the same most people would just think to themselves. “Oh, I'd better go to the conbini (Convenience Store) before it shuts to get some milk” I would say to myself. And I was talking to myself about the next days lesson plans as I wondered through the dark streets to obtain my milk. It only became apparent to me what I was doing when I realised too late there was a man walking towards me, close enough to hear my mental, foreign ramblings. They say talking to yourself if the first sign of madness. I say it's the second. The first is moving to Japan.

I think my mental state has not been aided by the fact I've been listening to the same children's song over and over and over again, in an attempt to learn it for tomorrows lesson. I keep getting the damn things stuck in my head, so when I'm lying there awake at night, in the dark, all I can think of are these children's songs on loop in my head.

Shoo-Cho no Hanami.

After the Rain...

It rained heavily the other day, none stop all day. Just as I finished work it stopped and there was an odd smell in the air, almost a tropical, warm and humid feeling. The mountains around the school began smoking as steam rose out and around the landscape to form halo's around the mountains. The sky looked very dramatic and it was truly a beautiful sight. The photo really don't do it justice. This feeling of being somewhere unique, somewhere different, is a feeling I thought I had lost, but it's great to feel it again. It sounds cheesy, but it makes me feel alive and happy to have the opportunity to have such an experience.

Coach John-san

I mentioned to my Kocho-sensei that I played basketball in England and coached as well and I was wondering if I could join in the club activities after school. He was over the moon with the idea and gave me free rain to coach the team for the evening. It was a group of 2nd year girl and even though they were small they all had such tenacity. I was very impressed with their skills, but I'm seriously unfit and I'm gonna' ache tomorrow. But it's a good ache, sort of. I need to get fit, I cannot keep up with these youngsters any more!

Lesson Time

Nervous, yes. But I was also prepared. My first lesson went really well and I felt I had a real connection with the kids. I really enjoyed it and I hope every lesson is as entertaining. I went in with real energy, the home room teacher (HRT) was excellent to work with and I now look forward to my next lesson with confidence.