The world is my trailer park.

Well, the island outing island *did* happen, but not for me. The rules were: if enough people sign up, the trip would be a go. But enough people did *not* sign up. What I wasn't told is they decided to go anyway. Apparently everyone waited for thirty minutes on Saturday wondering where I was before leaving. Hmm... My mind reading skills seem to be a little weak as of late.

Friday's meal was at a different restaurant than last year -- more expensive, less food, not as good, and the entire six hour ordeal was exceedingly boring. At least it was fake Japanese seating, with a hidden hole underneath the table.

I tried to do some laundry on Saturday morning, but my in-suite washing machine leaves much to be desired, such as an agitator. Quiet though it may be, clothes do not emerge from this machine in a cleaned state. Yes, an agitator makes a world of difference.

(If you are wondering how a washing machine cleans clothes without using an agitator, wonder no more. The answer is: it doesn't.)

Also on Saturday, I bought a junior high school reading-level novel called "majo no takkyuubin", which roughly translates to "Witch's Home Delivery Service". This was made into a Miyazaki movie entitled "Kiki's Delivery Service". You may have already seen this film; I haven't.

It's Monday, so that means new students. A little more crowded this week.

On a side note, I noticed an Air Canada jet had it's front landing gear collapse on itself. My Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Oosaka was aboard the most beat-up piece of shit I've ever had the displeasure to fly in. While accelerating for takeoff, the entire body began creaking in a disconcerting fashion, the painted-over rust spots on the wing weren't exactly comforting either, and only two out of the four "economy seating" toilets were working. Are they still Canada's most hated corporation? I sure don't care for them much. But more importantly, will I make it back alive?

Today is several student's final day, so we are all off to a traditional restaurant later this evening. I presume it'll be the same place as last year, which means two hours sitting in seiza (正座) position. Ouch...

Not too much to report. Today was techno music day for the school children. The weather isn't particularly sunny, but still quite warm. However, I stand out as being the only guy wearing shorts and t-shirt. Most Japanese men are wearing full business suits -- I don't know how they do it.

Maybe, just maybe, if enough people are interested, a group of us from the school will be visiting some island in the Fukuoka bay area. It's twenty minutes by boat and apparently quite picturesque. I'll be sure to take my camera, so if this outing is a go, expect photos on Monday.

Oh, and I went to some monstrous book store on Wednesday. Several stories in height, with each floor easily being the same size as larger bookstores in Edmonton. They sure do like their books here in Japan.

Sorry I've been so quiet. This evening I have quite a bit of homework to complete.

Looks like a trip to Reigando is arranged for next weekend.

I suppose it's time something was added to the blog.

This time around my apartment appears to be a wee bit larger. Not much larger, but enough to make a difference. There are two sliding doors that lead to an L-shaped balcony overlooking both an elementary school yard, and the wide-open girl's entrance of the school gymnasium. I guess this is what happens when everyone lives within millimetres of one another.

During late morning of my second day at the apartment, while trying to organize my belongings, the doorbell rang. (All apartment doors lead directly outside, and therefore easily accessible by anyone.) I opened the door to find myself being ferociously attacked by two Watchtower wielding Jehovah's Witnesses. However they managed to find their way into Japan I'll never know.

Every morning at school the children do calisthenic style exercises while accompanied by J-pop music. A dark side of this are the militaristic chants being forcefully recited. However, if you listen carefully, many kids deliberately chant too late or too early or perform other "this is pointless" protestations.

Pretty nice weather -- I've already given myself sunburn.

On Sunday I watched a bunch of sea hawks at Ohori park. They were grouped together, sunning themselves on a picturesque tree. Personally, I was under the impression that hawks, falcons, and other birds of prey tend to be territorial. I guess sea hawks are an exception.

Yesterday, while walking around Tenjin, I had the displeasure of hearing the loudest busker in the world. He was crouched in the shadows, strumming on a guitar, and screaming some very, very off-key lyrics. Pedestrians and onlookers were tittering amongst themselves, while other buskers looked rather annoyed that they could not be heard under this nasty wailing.

To be truthful, I'm not sure if anyone was actually busking. There was neither up-turned hat nor open guitar case in front of any of them. Perhaps it was simply a case of "something to do".

The usual assortment of street artists were also present. In fact, I'd swear there was almost double the amount from last time I visited.

School is definitely a lot quieter than last September, but the busy season will be fast approaching, or so I've been told. Other students include a Nova Scotian, Chilean born Norwegian, some woman from San Fransisco with a Japanese name and unidentified accent, a young woman from Singapore, a young German martial arts guy, two old Australian women who only talk to one another and ignore everyone else, and a few other unidentified people in higher classes than myself.

Until next time...

This blog has recently been recovered from cryogenic sleep. Please stay tuned for more content. (Give me a few more days...)