Only in Japan: Part I

Randa-world are taking orders for these fantastic bags now! Click on the image to see the adults only version.

New members of our family

Our neighbors in the apartment above us moved back home last week, and had stuff they couldn't take with them. As a result, we have adopted 10 goldfish (i think). We haven't (re)named them as yet, but they were affectionately known as "the little bastards".

So far, we've named the big one "Mr T(iny)"

R

Steve and Nathan's House/Apartment Party

Small apartment + 5 Japanese + 14 gaijin + chu-hi* + beer + great music = house party!!

*chu-hi is a mixed drink in a can; can be easily purchased at vending machines or convenient stores or supermarkets. Very potent.






clockwise from top left:
a) Me and crazy cool bunch of Japaneses. FYI, that's a guy in the purple shirt (top).
b) our fellow-ECC-lians, plus Alex in the white polo (Steve's mate form Oz).
c) me and I-can't-remember-his-name. Quite cute!
d) Rich and Nathan
e) The party

Our Holiday periods

Hey everyone,

Now that we are somewhat settled into the daily grind here in Osaka, our attention has now turned to organising our holidays! I've posted a calendar of our days off and who is coming over when. We are also moving within the building next month to a place on the top floor. It has heaps of light, but its going to be a sauna in summer (apparently). The other added bonus is that the couch folds out to a double bed.

Cheers,

Rich

Osaka Castle

Just a few pictures of a visit to Osaka's very own castle. It wasn't warm at all, but much better than a previous attempted visit a couple of weeks ago. It was nice to be in a large space filled with more trees and birds.

Another beginning....

Our group was getting excited and apprehensive as training drew to a close last Friday (that's our kid's trainer Dave, far right). Filled with a vast amount of knowledge and new skills, we were ready to take on the Japanese people, and whatever they had in store for us to correct and define.
So to celebrate, we headed out to the city for a big night out. We went out for McDonald's (which I can proudly say I resisted!) and then to Bella Bushka, a popular gaijin (Japanese word for foreigners) hang out. It was quite big with pool tables, dart boards and a foosball table. It was pretty quiet for a Friday night, but nevertheless, we certainly livened it up quite a bit!

We were then convinced that karaoke was a great idea and so took ourselves to a tiny karaoke bar nearby. Singing at the top of our lungs never felt so good! Or should I say shouting? It was great to just let loose after two and a half weeks of intensive training.

This is our second day so far....and it's tiring! The kids are so cute and very lively as you can imagine. But all the training has come good. The lesson plans are making some sense and the work environment is mostly fun. The schools have very friendly staff who are helpful and able. Some even set up the kids lessons' materials (ie. tapes (yeah, we have to use tape decks and videos!!), flash cards and games). Oh the joy of working! At least we will have two consecutive days off to discover more of Japan, other than its subways and endless expanse of concrete.