Some thoughts on Japan

As I was working out today I started to think a lot of Japan and what I like and what I dislike. Let's start with what I like. First, I like being able to go out and speak another language for a full day. There is nothing better than going out with my friends and speaking Japanese all night, people are so intrigued that I can communicate with them even though I'm a Gaijin. (Foreigner) Second, Every time I work out at the gym I feel huge. I am bigger than everyone at the gym and I can run faster and farther than most people. Also, the dumbbells only go up to 20 kg (44lbs), so I am always lifting the "heaviest" weight available and people always say I am strong......right...it is a nice ego boast. Third, I enjoy the terrain of Japan. Growing up in MN you only get corn and lakes. I love the lakes, but they don't compare to the sea and mountains. There is nothing better than chilling on the beach and looking out towards the vast sea in front of you and the immense mountain range behind you. I enjoy just biking around and taking in the landscape. Check out my pic of Mt. Fuji below, I took it from the plane on my way to Tokyo. I think it is truly one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Amazing.


Fourth, I love my students...well most of them. My high school students are so bright and funny. My junior high school students are worked to the bone and they still come to class ready to learn. My elementary students are mostly cool, minus one or two classes. I have one student named KOKI! So I naturally call him Koki Cola, just like the way my Mom calls her friend Julie Koch Koki Cola. He is so smart, every week he comes to class ready to learn and talk about anything, even when he can't find the words he somehow gets his point across. Brilliant. My young students are so adorable and funny, they always make me laugh. There are many other things I enjoy, but these are the main things.
What I don't like, First, I can't find any anonymity around here. I go out to lunch, everyone stares are me, I go to the supermarket, everyone looks at me. I bike to the store, everyone looks at me....It gets annoying after awhile. Second, I hate the people here who don't return a Hello, I mean how hard is it to say hello...?? For example, I was at the gym and gave a friendly konnichiwa to some old guy. He just looks at me with a disgusted look...The thing is, he is wearing a Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus Hat and shirt and I wanted to talk to him about it, but apparently he hates foreign people, but loves our stuff, movies, clothes ect. My point is, if you are going to consume our culture, don't be a dick when someone from that culture tries to be nice to you....Those are the two things I hate. Other than that Japan is great!
Sorry for the random tangent, I used to be able to discuss such matters with Jeremy, but he is gone, so I have all this stuff bottled up inside of me. Love you until next time, enjoy the photos.