Burning up

It has been very hot here in Osaka lately.　　Humidity seems to have been kicked up as well.　　This weekend was nice. On Friday I wanted to check out a giant fireworks show, but I wasn't able to go. I was able to see some of it thought from my apartment. There were people climbing up to the roof of my apartment with beers. It was quite funny. Saturday, I just relaxed and I cooked dinner for me and eri. I made some Pepperoncino Pasta and Sirloin Steak. It was damn good! haha I had a bunch left over too. We enjoyed it! Sunday I had to go to Kyoto because I put together an English project with my Eiken English class. Actually only 5 students volunteered and only 3 showed up. Anyway, the point of the project was to interview foreign tourists in English. For example one of the questions was "How long will you be in Japan?". We went to 3 tourist areas in Kyoto and asked 3 groups of people in each area. At first the students were quite reluctant to talk, but after the first one, they became excited. Every time they saw some foreigners they stalked them down and asked them questions. We recorded it and took a photo with the victims. haha It was really fun, however it was really hot outside. So my students were practically dead by the end of the day. We had a great time. I did some sightseeing as well when I was there. I took some videos and loads of pictures. We took a taxi to one of the tourist areas and I took a video of that. We went to a conbini called "Family Mart" and I was quite sad that I didn't find a family on sale. I arrived home about 6pm, so it was a long day. Since I worked on a Sunday, they let me have a day off this week. So I picked this coming Friday.

By the way, I am moving to my new apartment this coming weekend. I decided to throw away my current shit bed and buy a futon for the mean time. The person that lived in my apartment before me left me a bunch of SHIT so I will have to throw away most of it. However, all I really need is my Xbox, TV and clothes, my desk and a futon. It's all good yo! I am planning on taking some videos of our ridiculous attempt at moving this coming weekend. Hey I was thinking about making a podcast for my blog. What do you think about that? I think I will ask my buddy Tom to join in. Just an idea I'm throwing out there. Let me know what you think. The podcast will probably be about Life in Japan, Video Games, Music, Movies and random things in life.

So last Thursday marked 1 full year in Japan for me. This year has gone by so fast. I experienced many ups and downs. I have met many people and great friends. I have even managed to meet an amazing mate. I never would have thought this would happen to me here in Japan. Well I'm looking forward to this year as well. I have no idea what will happen this coming year. All I can say is that I know that I will do my best. The rest will follow through.

peace


vince



me and the students at the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto


students and teacher!


hello!


the nice golden pavilion in kyoto


my students interviewing a german chick


i bet they were hot


widescreen view just for you!


cooling off in the heat of kyoto



last but not least here are some ridiculous videos that i made. REMEMBER after the video finishes press menu and my other videos will be on the right side. just click the little squares and you will see the video.


searching for a family at family mart...

p.s... RIP bennigans... i will miss your amazing Guinness glazed bacon cheeseburger...sad times...half off burger Wednesdays was the shit...

Golden Week...

So I have had an eventful past few days here in the land of the rising sun! Just in case you didn't know, that is Japan. I have been quite busy lately. Last week I would stay so late at work. Wednesday I didn't get home until about 8pm. This is all because of basketball practice.

Friday was the school "Enkai". This is basically a fancy party for the school to welcome the new teachers. This was my second Enkai. The prior Enkai was in December. It was held in Tennoji (area of Osaka), at a fancy hotel called Miyako Hotel. We all had to pay about $50 for the entry. As I looked at the hotel more, I realized why it was so damn expensive. Well we were fed some expensive, tasty and not so filling food. We listened to heartfelt speeches from outgoing teachers, and nerve filled speeches from the new teachers. I even had to say a small speech. Of course I wasn't told about this so I just said a few sentences in Japanese. I was quite surprised how I was able to do it with no preparation. After the 2 hour event, some of the young teachers (the happy time crew) all came together and we went to go drink and eat more. We had a really great time. I enjoy the company of those people very much. They are so kind to me, and I truly feel like a friend to them. Next week, we are all going to my friend/co-workers wedding party in Kyoto. I am so excited to go there. Next Saturday will be great!

Saturday was quite interesting. I decided that I really needed a haircut. So I found a good picture of my hair cut that I got when I was in the USA last month. I put it up on my laptop computer and walked to the local barber shop about 2 minutes away. I walked in and they were so surprised to see a foreigner. I showed them a picture of my hair and used my weak Japanese to explain that I wanted the "Onaji" same cut! The barber guy understood and proceeded to cut my hair. After about 1 hour, a head massage, all scissors, shampoo and tonic application I was done. Let's just say that was the best hair cut I have ever received. The guy didn't even use the oh so famous "buzzers" that are so well used in the states. I was damn impressed. It was about $35 but it was well worth it.

That night I went to meet a friend at an Izakaya "restaurant/bar" in Tennoji. She doesn't know so much English so our conversations were limited. However, we both had some laughs and smiles. I think it went well. I was still hungry after(like always) so before I went home I grabbed a double cheeseburger and McFlurry at Mc Donalds! haha :)

Today I went to the wonderful city of Kyoto(about 1 hour train ride from Osaka), with my co-worker Yamada Sensei. We went toured almost all the "popular" sites. We hiked up the marvelous Fushimi Inari Shrine. We ventured to the beautiful Kiyomizudera Shrine, with spectacular views of Kyoto. Overall, it was a nice day. It was quite hot and we became tired, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the day. I have many pictures and video to show you all.

Did you see all the videos on my viddler? If you click menu on the viddler box there are all my videos so you should re-check them. Anyway, I had a great weekend. I have the next two days off as well. This is all because of what they call "Golden Week" here in Japan. It is basically a series of holidays all jumbled into on week/weekend. Just another reason to have time off (I can't blame them). Well, I'm out, take care of yourself.

peace

vince

p.s. comments?


kyoto japan




kiyomizudera shrine


kimono girls :)


kiyomizudera shrine


kiyomizudera shrine


kiyomizudera shrine


fushimi inari shrine








apparently japan has "adopted" mothers day


on the subway back to my apartment in osaka

here is my viddler...remember after the video finishes click on menu and watch the other videos! :) there are many ok! :)