I went on a weekend ski trip, check out that snow! I've never walked down the street and had look up to see the top of a snow bank before. We're talking 10+ feet of snow. Truly amazing.
You have to admit, this beats Elver for sledding.
Take a close look at this sunrise.
Here we have some students with Miko the school yard cat. One of the students asked me if we have cats in America.
The Rasuta bar with some friends. All you can eat and drink for $30. I know it sounds like a lot of money, I used to get upset when I spent $8 for the Pizza Hut buffet on State St. But in Japan, this is a really good deal.
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Homemade Valentine's Day sweets from my students. I never use names on this website, so thank you to Miss 2A, Miss 2A, and Miss 1A.
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Don't you think this is beautiful? The row of winter darkened trees contrasting with the early spring mist in the deep background is groovy.
It's been rainy lately. I thought I might try to sneak up onto the school roof for some pictures, but no luck. This shot from the window will have to suffice. The building you see on the right is the "Ping-Pong" building. It also has a modern computer lab and an area for art exhibits.
I'm doing a little rock climbing with one of the after school clubs. It wasn't too hard, but my shoes kept slipping off. Going up was easy, going down was a little scary when they said, "Ok, now let go and lean back!"
These are the girls in the school rock band. They are really good! I have a small video from my digital camera too, if you want to hear them-- let me know. Three guitars, drums, but no vocals. Something about the school uniforms makes me think Japanese Beatles.
Is this an old couch or what? Can you find another old out-door couch shot in my Photo Diary?
Today I heard the term "Haru Ichiban" for the first time. This refers to the coming of spring. The weather was wonderful, didn't even need a jacket. The students were really excited today for another reason too. Junior high kids are coming for high school entrance exams tomorrow and Friday, so my kids have a 4 day weekend! I chatted with some second year guys at the train station, and they were in top spirits. I was on my way to get a little Mexican food in Motoyawata. This cell-phone shot is right outside the restaurant if you were curious.
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Trust me, it's better if you don't know what this is.
Japanese "high school days."