Oh, by the way...about that Israel...

I've been so super excited about returning to Japan and getting all those details ironed out that I keep forgetting that I have another trip planned. I'm leaving for Israel this Saturday. Will be there for about 10 days. It hasn't really hit me yet. Still too busy dreaming of Japan. Maybe when I'm on the plane, it will hit me that I'm going in the opposite direction and that this will also be a lifetime experience.

And then, maybe not. ^_^

I WILL be posting pics, though, once I get back. Let's just hope a war doesn't start...though it would make a good story!

Details

Last time I was in Japan, I worked for an Eikaiwa -- an English conversational school. Or, as it's often described, an English cram school where students come to cram in extra lessons for English. I worked with all ages, from a few months old (yes, I had a baby class where I taught English) to way into adulthood.

This time around, I'll be working as an ALT -- an assistant language teacher who works in the actual schools. I'll have a better chance to see Japanese culture at work, have a lot more holidays, and get to try out their school lunches ever single day! I'll be working at several schools, both elementary and junior high (no high school). This is great. When I taught at the Eikaiwa, I discovered I liked working with the younger kids the most and now I'll be working with the same age group that I liked. Yay me!

Last time, I lived on the Shikoku island in Takamatsu. The island Shikoku is considered rural, despite the Takamatsu metropolitan having around 670,00 people... To be fair, most of Shikoku is rural - I just happened to live in one of the bigger cities on the island.

This time, I'll again be living in a 'rural' area: Izunokuni of the Shizouka prefecture. Population? About 50,000. Yeah, real rural. ^_^ Though the houses are spread out between a lot of farms so if you're comparing it with Tokyo, then yeah, it would appear rural. To the Japanese at least.

It's also just south of Mt Fuji (yes, I'll be able to see it on most clear days), about 2 hours by train from Tokyo, and right next to the Suruga Bay with all of its beautiful coastline, from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs. I'll be able to see a glorious sunset over the ocean every single night, too. So excited!

Kaerimasu yo!

I'd like to break this blog's one year silence with an announcement:

The rumor has been confirmed. I got the job. I'm going back to Japan.

WHEE!!!

Venice at Night

One of the biggest ambitions I had was to see Venice at night. I really didn't think it would be that hard except does anyone know how creepy Venice is when you're wandering lost in the tiny streets late at night???

This pic doesn't do the creepiness justice, but it is a good pic all the same ^_^

San Marino at Night

San Marino: one of the tiniest countries in the world and it's got one huge hill with castles on top!

Here's a view of the first 'tower' (as they called the fortification) and the city down below during dusk.

I think the shot come out well, don't you agree?

Driving through the Alps

I've never been in an extremely cold environment so as the bus drove through the snow encrusted Alps, I was enthralled by all the snow-covered trees and buildings. Twas awesome!






My favorites were the tall pine (I think?) trees frosted with white. There were just rows and rows of them, scaling up over the mountains. Very pretty.

Switzerland at Last

I'm in Lucerne! And am debating whether to go up Mt Titlis or Mt Pilatus. Mt Pilatus gives an awesome view of the Alps and of Lucerne, but Titlis has an ice cave! But it's also farther away... hmm....

But I WILL be going to the House of Mirrors. Whee!