We had a special school visit at JHS today. I had 2 observed English lessons, one with the 1st year students, and with one of the 3rd year classes. Yumi, a newly hired coordinator of the ALTs in my city, "dropped by" for a surprise visit. Actually, she was delivering a pumpkin to my elementary school on my behalf, because the 3rd grade is planning to have a big Halloween party next month and the teachers want me to carve a jack-o-lantern. because of my company, and Yumi lived in London for 4 years, so she seems a lot more understanding of the life of a foreigner, sympathetic even.
The 3rd year class went down without a hitch. A lot of people people observed the class, including a white American professor who teaches at a local university, and another big-time old Japanese professor who I heard teaches in Kobe. Sayako, the third-year English teacher seemed happy and I think overall, everyone came out looking good because of it. However, the 1st-year class with Ms. Takeuchi sucked butt. She hadn't consulted with me for any of the class preparation, and the kids' English sounded retarded because of it, to no fault of their own. Fortunately, for some reason, no one observed that class except for Yumi. After the class, and without me saying a word, Yumi critically dissected the class, pointing out various faults on the Japanese teacher's part. Yumi even pointed out that Ms. Takeuchi was snoozing during the review meeting he had after the observed lessons, something I hadn't even noticed myself. She said it was ironic considering that that same teacher was the quickest one to make complaints about me to my company. Yumi said that she claimed that I yawn in front of the students. I recall doing nothing of the sort. wtf. This chick is out of her gourd, and I realize that there's nothing I can do to change that. But I was relieved that, for once, someone could understand my frustrations at JHS.
Sep 26, 2004
Sep 21, 2004
JUNIOR HIGH BLUES
Today it was brought to my attention by Sayako, a young English teacher at JHS, that some of the teachers there have a problem with my dress. She said, for lack of better English, she thinks that I should dress more "polite." Apparently I dress too casually for the tastes of some of the teachers and, thus, am suffering a "bad image" because of it. This was complete news to me. I've been at this school for a year and a half and none ever mentioned that I dress inappropriately to school. Mind you, there is no dress code for teachers. The Japanese teachers wear everything from shirts and ties to t-shirts and athletic wear. I wear the same gear to JHS that I do to elementary school and I get no complaints over there. On top of that, when I first started at the dangone school, I specifically asked some of the teachers and principals what types of items of clothing were appropriate. I named some items and they were like they were all A-Okay. So now, after 1.5 years I'm hearing this flip-flop B.S. like, wtf?
Anyway, Sayako's suggestion opened up a whole conversation about my relationship, rather lack thereof with the JHS teachers. She admitted that there was distance between myself and the teachers and that she thought I didn't enjoy being at that school. Good observations. I thanked her for being thoughtful enough of my situation. Though, I suggested that instead of assuming how I felt, someone should probably ASK ME to find out the truth. Considering the success I've had at elementary school, with virtually the same approach and attitude towards teaching, I asked: what is the real problem? I'm the same guy at both schools, always willing to talk to and cooperate with all staff, and the kids love me at both, so is something really wrong with ME or the way that they perceive me? I've been treated like an outsider by a majority of the teachers since day one, while maintaining politeness and doing my job to the best of my ability, but now, WAAAY after the fact, I'm supposed to alter my dress to appease a small group of individuals who haven't displayed a rat's butthole about me anyway?? Puh-lease. I have no problem following rules, but conforming to make others happy has never been on my to-do list.
Sayako and I basically concurred that there has been a HUGE communication gap between myself and the rest of the JHS teachers. She also admitted that some of the teachers are probably guilty of comparing me to past foreign English teachers at the school and that they need need to revise their attitudes about me. She agreed to help encourage some of the teachers to be more interactive with me.
Man. I don't really know how I'm supposed to feel about this whole JHS situation. I get really confused by the contradicting messages and silent expectations of Japanese folks sometimes. Here I was, thinking that by doing a good job, being popular with the kids, and being an all-around "nice guy" would warrant some favor and respect from my Japanese peers. NOT. I'm really learning more and more that, in Japan, image is everything, while character/merit count for much less...which would seem to explain the shallowness of the dismal "jip-hop" scene. ...Or does this postulate of J-World apply to the rest of the globe as well?
Anyway, Sayako's suggestion opened up a whole conversation about my relationship, rather lack thereof with the JHS teachers. She admitted that there was distance between myself and the teachers and that she thought I didn't enjoy being at that school. Good observations. I thanked her for being thoughtful enough of my situation. Though, I suggested that instead of assuming how I felt, someone should probably ASK ME to find out the truth. Considering the success I've had at elementary school, with virtually the same approach and attitude towards teaching, I asked: what is the real problem? I'm the same guy at both schools, always willing to talk to and cooperate with all staff, and the kids love me at both, so is something really wrong with ME or the way that they perceive me? I've been treated like an outsider by a majority of the teachers since day one, while maintaining politeness and doing my job to the best of my ability, but now, WAAAY after the fact, I'm supposed to alter my dress to appease a small group of individuals who haven't displayed a rat's butthole about me anyway?? Puh-lease. I have no problem following rules, but conforming to make others happy has never been on my to-do list.
Sayako and I basically concurred that there has been a HUGE communication gap between myself and the rest of the JHS teachers. She also admitted that some of the teachers are probably guilty of comparing me to past foreign English teachers at the school and that they need need to revise their attitudes about me. She agreed to help encourage some of the teachers to be more interactive with me.
Man. I don't really know how I'm supposed to feel about this whole JHS situation. I get really confused by the contradicting messages and silent expectations of Japanese folks sometimes. Here I was, thinking that by doing a good job, being popular with the kids, and being an all-around "nice guy" would warrant some favor and respect from my Japanese peers. NOT. I'm really learning more and more that, in Japan, image is everything, while character/merit count for much less...which would seem to explain the shallowness of the dismal "jip-hop" scene. ...Or does this postulate of J-World apply to the rest of the globe as well?
Sep 8, 2004
THE WHOLE ZOO!
I've officially stopped counting. There was a fourth the night before in the middle of the night while I was sleeping. I didn't even know until one of the teachers at school asked me about it. Then there was the one last night shortly before midnight. I've been on edge since the third one, so I'm a wee bit paranoid about any kind of movement while I'm sitting down (toilet excluded). Between the bigger quakes I swore I've felt small tremors. After last night, I don't think I'm so "noid" after all. I read somewhere that a bunch of smaller quakes in a short period helps shave off pent-up energy between tectonic plates to stave off bigger, more ominous quakes. I don't know if that info was based on science or myth, but I hope it's true, because all this quaking is making me nervous.
On a happy note, I got my absentee ballot in the mail yesterday. Ohhh yeahhh. Time to send Bushbaby and his ranchmonkeys packing! More later...
On a happy note, I got my absentee ballot in the mail yesterday. Ohhh yeahhh. Time to send Bushbaby and his ranchmonkeys packing! More later...
Sep 6, 2004
...AND ZEBRAS?!
O-kay. So we have yet a THIRD quake this morning while at school.We were already prepared to let out early because of oncoming storms from the big typhoon passing over western Japan, when the staffroom windows began rattling. At first it seemed like strong winds, but then the building began rattling too. Someone flipped on the tv right after and the earthquake alert was already being broadcasted. It felt weaker than the two 6.8 and 7.1 quakes on Sunday and only lasted about 10 seconds, but I mean, dang, that was the third earthquake in 48 hours! Meanwhile, they sent the kids home early afterall, because the heavy winds started kicking up.
Getting it from above and below...What the deal, Mama Nature???
Getting it from above and below...What the deal, Mama Nature???
Sep 5, 2004
CATS, DOGS, ELEPHANTS & HIPPOS
O-kay. So about 5 hours after the earthquake, after even more rain and thunder, we have yet ANOTHER earthquake. I believe the second was stronger than the first, which registered as a 4.0 on the Japanese scale (moderate) and lasted about 30 seconds. The second one felt much wavier and lasted at least 20 seconds, it seemed. This time, I got up and stood in the doorway and watched our teacups and electric rice cooker wobble and come this close to tiping over. I'd never experienced earthquakes like these before today.
But, man. 2 big earthquakes in one day...Is this a sign?
But, man. 2 big earthquakes in one day...Is this a sign?
CATS, DOGS, AND ELEPHANTS
After on and off thunderstorms since this morning, we just had the longest, strongest earthquake I've ever felt about 30 minutes ago. It lasted about 30 seconds, and after about 15 seconds, I headed outside until it subsided, in order to avoid any possible collapsing of our small apartment building. I could hear cups rattling in the kitchen and outside I saw power cords swinging over nearby houses. Afterwards my roomie informed me that going outside was the WRONG thing to, and in the event of falling objects, I'd been safer crawling under a desk or table, or standing in a doorway. I'm not a native of earthquake country, so I wasn't aware of that. Lesson learnt. The radio said it was a 4.0 across about 7 prefectures in Central Japan, so a quake was an unsettling cap-off to a very thundery, rainy day.
Sep 2, 2004
X-COMMUNICATED
Friday of the first week of school. Junior High. Things are back as usual, which means I'm being utterly ignored. I mean, before I was generally ignored, but now, it's like I dunno..like I'm invisible. I'm actually starting to think that a cadre of teachers actually don't want me here. I don't know what the problem is, but it's not like I'm not doing what I'm asked to. I haven't had the perfect relationship with my co-teachers, but it's not like we haven't been trying. At least so I thought. There's just a general lack of communication between myself and the 2-3 teachers I teach with. It's almost like people dread talking to me, and the other homerooms teachers basically don't speak to me at all, ...not even in Japanese, even though my listening comprehension is decent. I believe most of the teachers here think I don't understand the language at all, which may be one of the reasons they don't venture to talk to me, I suspect. Rather disappointing after working here for almost a year and a half. Hmm.
Aug 1, 2004
...GUESS WHO'S BACK?
I did it. I went. I saw. I conquer..er experienced.
Quite interesting, Thailand is. I enjoyed the island life immensely. Eating fresh, delicious seafood everyday, fresh fruit, drinking coconut milk straight from the coconut, the salty ocean, blue-green waters, white sand, green hills, palm trees, swarms of obnoxious European tourists desperately trying to achieve my skin tone!! yikes! No, but it was nice. I did almost everything I wanted to do except watching live Muay Thai boxing and snorkeling (scuba diving was too expensive). I rode a big ol' elephant--sat on it's neck even, with it's ears flapping against my legs. I went jet skiing, swam in the beautiful ocean off of 2 different islands, did capoeira on the beach, had a lot of cheap and scrumptious food and drink, partied out almost every night, even got a little tanny-tan (robot voice: "Melanocytes Activated"). I enjoyed the freedom of travelling alone=-it was quite enjoyable.
Quite interesting, Thailand is. I enjoyed the island life immensely. Eating fresh, delicious seafood everyday, fresh fruit, drinking coconut milk straight from the coconut, the salty ocean, blue-green waters, white sand, green hills, palm trees, swarms of obnoxious European tourists desperately trying to achieve my skin tone!! yikes! No, but it was nice. I did almost everything I wanted to do except watching live Muay Thai boxing and snorkeling (scuba diving was too expensive). I rode a big ol' elephant--sat on it's neck even, with it's ears flapping against my legs. I went jet skiing, swam in the beautiful ocean off of 2 different islands, did capoeira on the beach, had a lot of cheap and scrumptious food and drink, partied out almost every night, even got a little tanny-tan (robot voice: "Melanocytes Activated"). I enjoyed the freedom of travelling alone=-it was quite enjoyable.
Jul 13, 2004
BOGUS SLOGANS
I've long since become used to the total abuse and bastardization of the English language in Japan. Particularly, rarely am I shocked anymore by the silly slogans and grotesque grammar plastered across so many pop t-shirts. Too many to name, such witless and quasi-sensible blurbs would only draw ridicule in any English-speaking nation. As I said, rarely am I blown. But this morning's t-shirt took the cake:
On the train to work, I spot a young (Japanese) guy with a white tee with a big, black letter "I," followed by a red heart, placed over a baby blue jersey-scripted word, "GHETTO" = "I LOVE GHETTO" wtf.
Maybe I blinked once or twice when I saw the shirt. It was hard for me to muster a facial reaction, as I've become so de-sensitized to such absurdities. I looked at the guy's face, and he looked like a person who had utterly no clue what the words scrolled across his chest meant. What could this guy possibly know about a ghetto, not to mention "love" about one? I come from a city full of them, and I don't even love the ghetto. I mean, I liked Good Times and all, and I love Black people, but I ain't never claimed to love no ghetto. Sheesh.
There should be a law against the inanity which abounds across some of these Japanese t-shirts. Who makes this stuff? They need to be taken somewhere and...have something not nice done to them.
And yesterday on the ride home from school, I saw a couple of my former students who are now first-year students in high school (sophomores), Misuzu and Mayumi. I said hello and chatted to them a bit about school and things. They said they were headed in the city to "have fun" at Nagoya Station. I asked them were they going
to go shopping and they just giggled, confirming that they indeed were. I asked them did they have money and they said yes. They're too young to work, so I asked them where they got their money. From their moms, of course. I looked over and noticed Misuzu was wearing a giant blue wriststrap with some bold, white characters written on it. I studied it for a second. It read "SEX POT." omg.
At first I was going to ask her did she know the meaning of her wrist band and what it implied, but I decided to leave it alone. I wanted to ask her "Did your Mama give you money to buy that, too?" She probably would've answered "Yes." In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if her mother bought it for her. (yikes!) I looked to my right and noticed the train conductor standing over in his little booth looking at me with a disgusted look on his face. Now, I've never claimed to be a mind reader, but I'm pretty good when it comes to reading body language. And the conductor's face was saying "I'm really disgusted this foreigner is trying to pick up these high school girls." That may sound presumptive, but as I said, I interpret facial expressions pretty well. I knew his thoughts And that was the one he was giving me.
Please. Just because the teen sex industry is massive in Japan, doesn't mean that's the way I get down. Slow your roll, homie.
(insert silly slogan here)...
On the train to work, I spot a young (Japanese) guy with a white tee with a big, black letter "I," followed by a red heart, placed over a baby blue jersey-scripted word, "GHETTO" = "I LOVE GHETTO" wtf.
Maybe I blinked once or twice when I saw the shirt. It was hard for me to muster a facial reaction, as I've become so de-sensitized to such absurdities. I looked at the guy's face, and he looked like a person who had utterly no clue what the words scrolled across his chest meant. What could this guy possibly know about a ghetto, not to mention "love" about one? I come from a city full of them, and I don't even love the ghetto. I mean, I liked Good Times and all, and I love Black people, but I ain't never claimed to love no ghetto. Sheesh.
There should be a law against the inanity which abounds across some of these Japanese t-shirts. Who makes this stuff? They need to be taken somewhere and...have something not nice done to them.
And yesterday on the ride home from school, I saw a couple of my former students who are now first-year students in high school (sophomores), Misuzu and Mayumi. I said hello and chatted to them a bit about school and things. They said they were headed in the city to "have fun" at Nagoya Station. I asked them were they going
to go shopping and they just giggled, confirming that they indeed were. I asked them did they have money and they said yes. They're too young to work, so I asked them where they got their money. From their moms, of course. I looked over and noticed Misuzu was wearing a giant blue wriststrap with some bold, white characters written on it. I studied it for a second. It read "SEX POT." omg.
At first I was going to ask her did she know the meaning of her wrist band and what it implied, but I decided to leave it alone. I wanted to ask her "Did your Mama give you money to buy that, too?" She probably would've answered "Yes." In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if her mother bought it for her. (yikes!) I looked to my right and noticed the train conductor standing over in his little booth looking at me with a disgusted look on his face. Now, I've never claimed to be a mind reader, but I'm pretty good when it comes to reading body language. And the conductor's face was saying "I'm really disgusted this foreigner is trying to pick up these high school girls." That may sound presumptive, but as I said, I interpret facial expressions pretty well. I knew his thoughts And that was the one he was giving me.
Please. Just because the teen sex industry is massive in Japan, doesn't mean that's the way I get down. Slow your roll, homie.
(insert silly slogan here)...
THAI-ED THE KNOT
It's official. I'm going to Thailand. Next week.
I made my reservations today--went straight after school. I've been hitting my homie Al up for info. He's been there a few times. My roommate's been there too. Even the Japanese travel agent who booked me said he's been 10 times! Dang...I wonder if it was the cheap hookers that keep him going back (Oh!) Actually, I've met quite a few heads since I've been here who've been. They all said it's a good, and inexpensive trip. Gorgeous water and beaches, cultural sights, and great food. What more can you ask for on a vacation? It seems to be a staple of Asian travel, and I feel like I'm the only one 'round these parts who hasn't been.
I'm out of the "in-crowd." I'm like a "Thai virgin." But not for long.
So, I had a busy day. Classes ended early at JHS today, so the kids went to their sports activities. I raided the new gym and shot some ball around with boys, but got bored with them, and went on the other side to play volleyball with girls. They let me jump in on a scrimmage game and our team won. I served game point. It was a devastating victory. A lotta fun. Got real sweaty too. I goofed around in the gym til it was time for me to leave, then left.
On the way home, I decided I'd just save some time and train fare and just go straight downtown to the travel agency. On the subway there, I caught some young cat staring at me out the corner of my eye. People who stare really annoy me, so I have a tendency to return the favor. Dude was like 4 feet away from me, and I just turned directly toward him and stared at him expressionlessly until he averted his eyes elsewhere, obstinately blowing bubbles from my bubble gum the whole while. I continued to stare at him for a couple minutes until I reached my stop just to drive home the feeling of uncomfortableness.
I reached Sakae, hopped off and proceeded to Exit 16 which was about a 3 minute walk in the underground labyrinth-like station from the platform. I was strolling with my headphones on, almost to the exit, when I felt a tap on my soldier. I turned and looked. It was stare-down dude from the train. I looked at him like "What you need, bruh?" I didn't break my stride. For a hot second, I thought this cat was trying to bring me some beef or something for staring him down! Then I thought "No way." That would've been too funny. In the form of a question, he started saying something to me in Japanese about a camera. I looked at him and said "What?" in Japanese. He repeated himself, but I still didn't get the point. But I was kinda blown that this guy had followed me for at least a good 2 minutes from the train and a good ways through the unnderground station! I stopped walking, then he asked if "Japanese was okay," as if to see if I spoke the language. I told him it was okay, and to repeat himself once more. He said something I still couldn't tcatch, but it seemed like he was either trying to sell me a camera or take my picture. Since I've never seen Japanese street huslters, a quick process of elimination brought me to the conclusion that he was carrying a camera and wanted to take my picture. I looked at him like "Hell naw," but continuing in Japanese, I politely told him No, thanks. Upon hearing that, dude did an about-face and walked away in the opposite direction...What in the HECK was that about?? Dude follows me 2 minutes off the subway and asks to take my picture? I felt like he only followed me because I stared him down; it wasn't like he approached me off the bat when he first saw me. Although, I never felt threatened in any way, that was kinda creepy.
Moving on.
After I left the agency, I decided to walk to the nearby Fushimi district to do a little capoeira in Shiromizu Park. I found a little secluded area and started working on some moves. Our group is supposed to be going to Tokyo this weekend for a batizado and to play with our brother and sister schools in Tokyo and Yokohama, so I wanted to tighten up my moves before I go. It's so humid, I worked up a nice sweat after about 5 minutes of moving. After a while I noticed some rhythmic drumming sounds from another area in the park, so I picked up my bag and headed in the direction of the music. I finally reached a walking path area where a co-ed group of about 10 young-looking Japanese folk were playing congas and other African drums. I noticed one of the drums was painted red, black, and green and a couple of the drummers wore Sankofa cloth on their heads. Interesting.
I made eye contact and gave a nod to one of the male drummers. They had a little rhythm going, so I decided to continue working out right there near them, but not directly in their space. Their drum rhythms were different from capoeira style, but they were cool enough for me to ginga to. I started doing some moves and kicks to the rhythm and it felt pretty good. The drummers mostly ignored me, although a few of them kinda stopped and looked from time to time to see what I was doing. I know they musta been thinking "Where did this Black man come from? ..We start playing African music and Africans start showing up!" Ha. I continuing working out (with many rests) until about the time the drummers wrapped up their practice, then headed home. I was super sweaty, but glad I'd gotten some practice in.
On a dietary note, this recent smothering heat and humidity has stolen my appetite. I haven't cooked dinner in over a week. I keep promising myself that I'll cook for myself when I get home everyday, but I haven't yet. I've been getting through the days pretty well with just a light breakfast and schoollunch. I suppose if this keeps up, perhaps I'll be losing some wieight. Odd, I've never been one to really stop eating because of seasonal change, but this summer heat has been pretty crucial so far, and promises only to get worse as the official Japanese rainy season has yet to end. Doh. I suppose I'll get around to having dinner at home one of these days...
Ahh, 3 more days til summer vacation. "Summer" and "vacation"--those 2 words go nicely together.
Meanwhile, tropical islandry and SE Asian adventure awaits the "Black Foreigner." Out.
I made my reservations today--went straight after school. I've been hitting my homie Al up for info. He's been there a few times. My roommate's been there too. Even the Japanese travel agent who booked me said he's been 10 times! Dang...I wonder if it was the cheap hookers that keep him going back (Oh!) Actually, I've met quite a few heads since I've been here who've been. They all said it's a good, and inexpensive trip. Gorgeous water and beaches, cultural sights, and great food. What more can you ask for on a vacation? It seems to be a staple of Asian travel, and I feel like I'm the only one 'round these parts who hasn't been.
I'm out of the "in-crowd." I'm like a "Thai virgin." But not for long.
So, I had a busy day. Classes ended early at JHS today, so the kids went to their sports activities. I raided the new gym and shot some ball around with boys, but got bored with them, and went on the other side to play volleyball with girls. They let me jump in on a scrimmage game and our team won. I served game point. It was a devastating victory. A lotta fun. Got real sweaty too. I goofed around in the gym til it was time for me to leave, then left.
On the way home, I decided I'd just save some time and train fare and just go straight downtown to the travel agency. On the subway there, I caught some young cat staring at me out the corner of my eye. People who stare really annoy me, so I have a tendency to return the favor. Dude was like 4 feet away from me, and I just turned directly toward him and stared at him expressionlessly until he averted his eyes elsewhere, obstinately blowing bubbles from my bubble gum the whole while. I continued to stare at him for a couple minutes until I reached my stop just to drive home the feeling of uncomfortableness.
I reached Sakae, hopped off and proceeded to Exit 16 which was about a 3 minute walk in the underground labyrinth-like station from the platform. I was strolling with my headphones on, almost to the exit, when I felt a tap on my soldier. I turned and looked. It was stare-down dude from the train. I looked at him like "What you need, bruh?" I didn't break my stride. For a hot second, I thought this cat was trying to bring me some beef or something for staring him down! Then I thought "No way." That would've been too funny. In the form of a question, he started saying something to me in Japanese about a camera. I looked at him and said "What?" in Japanese. He repeated himself, but I still didn't get the point. But I was kinda blown that this guy had followed me for at least a good 2 minutes from the train and a good ways through the unnderground station! I stopped walking, then he asked if "Japanese was okay," as if to see if I spoke the language. I told him it was okay, and to repeat himself once more. He said something I still couldn't tcatch, but it seemed like he was either trying to sell me a camera or take my picture. Since I've never seen Japanese street huslters, a quick process of elimination brought me to the conclusion that he was carrying a camera and wanted to take my picture. I looked at him like "Hell naw," but continuing in Japanese, I politely told him No, thanks. Upon hearing that, dude did an about-face and walked away in the opposite direction...What in the HECK was that about?? Dude follows me 2 minutes off the subway and asks to take my picture? I felt like he only followed me because I stared him down; it wasn't like he approached me off the bat when he first saw me. Although, I never felt threatened in any way, that was kinda creepy.
Moving on.
After I left the agency, I decided to walk to the nearby Fushimi district to do a little capoeira in Shiromizu Park. I found a little secluded area and started working on some moves. Our group is supposed to be going to Tokyo this weekend for a batizado and to play with our brother and sister schools in Tokyo and Yokohama, so I wanted to tighten up my moves before I go. It's so humid, I worked up a nice sweat after about 5 minutes of moving. After a while I noticed some rhythmic drumming sounds from another area in the park, so I picked up my bag and headed in the direction of the music. I finally reached a walking path area where a co-ed group of about 10 young-looking Japanese folk were playing congas and other African drums. I noticed one of the drums was painted red, black, and green and a couple of the drummers wore Sankofa cloth on their heads. Interesting.
I made eye contact and gave a nod to one of the male drummers. They had a little rhythm going, so I decided to continue working out right there near them, but not directly in their space. Their drum rhythms were different from capoeira style, but they were cool enough for me to ginga to. I started doing some moves and kicks to the rhythm and it felt pretty good. The drummers mostly ignored me, although a few of them kinda stopped and looked from time to time to see what I was doing. I know they musta been thinking "Where did this Black man come from? ..We start playing African music and Africans start showing up!" Ha. I continuing working out (with many rests) until about the time the drummers wrapped up their practice, then headed home. I was super sweaty, but glad I'd gotten some practice in.
On a dietary note, this recent smothering heat and humidity has stolen my appetite. I haven't cooked dinner in over a week. I keep promising myself that I'll cook for myself when I get home everyday, but I haven't yet. I've been getting through the days pretty well with just a light breakfast and schoollunch. I suppose if this keeps up, perhaps I'll be losing some wieight. Odd, I've never been one to really stop eating because of seasonal change, but this summer heat has been pretty crucial so far, and promises only to get worse as the official Japanese rainy season has yet to end. Doh. I suppose I'll get around to having dinner at home one of these days...
Ahh, 3 more days til summer vacation. "Summer" and "vacation"--those 2 words go nicely together.
Meanwhile, tropical islandry and SE Asian adventure awaits the "Black Foreigner." Out.
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