life in Japan via iphone photos

from left to right

• It's the year of the dragon! This was made by students at my smallest JHS.
• Two weeks ago, one of my students asked me if I have ever visited a pâtissier shop called, "Tanpopo." I said, "no." She was so~ disappointed because her parents runs the shop.  To make her happy, I told her that I would visit the place right after school. She and her friends tried their best to tell me where it's located, but their words were getting nowhere, so they drew me a map. Clever. I met her mother and she was really sweet. I bought a few things and she gave me a freebie.
• Our annual "Friendship Day" in my town. English teachers from various countries living in the town teach a group of elementary students about their country, play games and cook a specialty meal from one of the countries. The flags shown represent the nationalities that were present. (Canada and New Zealand aren't shown fully.)
• The specialty meal that was made was German. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of meal, but it was so delicious!!!! We ate it along with French bread. Yummy.
• The sunset in my lovely town.
• Yes, my students love me. (That's good to know.) This was written by a 15 yr old boy, by the way. It got a few laughs from the other students in the class. My name in Japanese characters is ダイアナ, but it's spelt out as Daiana. I guess that's why the kid wrote it in Japanese (he wasn't sure how I spell my name.)
• This a from last weekend in Nichinan.
• This one as well.
• The view from the second floor at one of my schools. it seems that winter has disappeared again. It was a warm 19ºC (66ºF) with clear skies.
• So, I went to Tanpopo for the second time two days ago and the mother was so happy to see me again. This time, I was able to meet her husband. She then gave me this figure, which is geared towards the upcoming Girl's Day holiday. It's so cute!
• My guys (my 2nd favorite Japanese rock group, B'z) are releasing their first new single of the new year on April 4th. It's called Go For It, Baby! And I love it! It's currently featured in the PEPSI NEX CM (commercial).  

winter vacation 2011 - amsterdam pt 2

Amsterdam, December 29-30

I spent these days hanging out with Bart (from Poland) and Sayuri (from Japan). We visited the Van Gogh museum, ventured through the Red Light district, sampled vending machine-like things that popped out hot foods and visited the "I amsterdam" hot spot. As we wondering around, we saw a huge outdoor chess board with actual live-sized pieces with two gentlemen playing a round. During the evening hours, we, along with a few other friends, went to a live house that played really great music (soft rock to jazz music). 

I've said this before, but I am absolutely in love with the architecture in this city. Many of these houses are really narrow with tall narrow windows to match. Quite a handful of these buildings, however, are tilting as you can distinctively see in one photo. It was really odd when I first noticed this, but it adds to the quirkiness that is Amsterdam.

Photo of us at the "I amsterdam" sign was taken with Sayuri's cellphone.

my weekend

Exploring more of Miyazaki's costal line.

This time I continued from Aoshima and travelled about 45 minutes south to Nichinan City.

Just a few pictures I took along the Nichinan coastline. The area is absolutely beautiful!! 

A more detailed entry on places I visited, with even more photos, in a later entry.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Yesterday was Valentine's Day, so I made these choco-covered strawberries for my coworkers at one of my smallest schools.  Initially, I wasn't going to make them because strawberries are so expensive this time of year (they're in season), but I gave in and I bought a pack of 15 and it cost me about $6!!!  Oh well, it was a nice thing to do, so I didn't let the price bother me. 

Needless to say, my coworkers devoured these!! It was definitely a huge it!!

going solo isn't all bad

I traveled to Amsterdam solo last winter, however, I was rarely alone. During the week I spent in Amsterdam, I was solo for only about half a day! This is mainly thanks to the hostel that I stayed at. Being in a hostel is a great way to meet people - many of whom are traveling solo as well. I became fast friends with a Bulgarian girl and befriended many other people from various countries.

 

My bar hopping buddies in crime: Fred (France), Bart (Poland) and Anzela (Bulgaria).