Stubby In Japan

LAST 'stubby-in-japan' POST

2006-08-05T23:59:00.000+12:00

After 484 posts (this is number 485) it is the end of an era.

I have been blogging on 'stubby-in-japan' from the time that I knew that I was going to Japan. I believe the first post was on Friday, May 20th, 2005. Man, has my life changed since then.

As I am no longer living in Japan, I will no longer be posting on this blog.

If you're interested in my life after Japan check out 'stubby-in-europe' (Pete's European Debacle) and then 'stubby-in-NZ' (name is to come).

Thank you to all those that have contributed to this blog. I know it has made people laugh, cry, angry and frustrated.

CHEERS GUYS

LATERS

Pete

Last day in Japan

2006-08-04T23:59:00.000+12:00

I woke up early. I was tired, hung over and sick.

Today I was leaving Japan (YAY). I decided that I was going to go back to NZ and then go to Europe - WHY NOT!!!

I went to Tokyo (Honestly!!!) and caught my plane home!!!

Last full day in Japan

2006-08-03T23:59:00.000+12:00

We woke up early and left the onsen hotel.

Yasue gave me a ride to the gym in Yamaguchi city. We parted ways. I was a little emotional. This may be the last time I ever see Yasue - I wasn't too sure.

I had a work out and went back to Hagi.

Once home I decided to pack.

After I had packed I payed a visit to Dan. Dan couldn't be found. I was a little upset by this as I wanted to say goodbye to Dan. I decided to look around the Hagi festival for him. As he is a big white man there is a good chance that he will stand out. I looked and looked but couldn't find him.

I decide to go back to his place and leave a note. Again I set out to look for him. This time I was lucky and found him. I also found Furusho sensei. He was drinking. I really didn't want to get on the piss tonight. I knew though that once Furusho got going there was no hope for me. We drank a few beers at the festival. Whilst doing this students were coming up to us and saying hello. I didn't think that drinking beer in the presence of my students was the best idea. I guess I'm leaving the country tomorrow - so who cares!!!

Furusho sensei and me went to a few snack bars, a hostess bar and a final bar for food. I got home at 4am, pissed drunk and needing to get up in 2 hours.

I was not a happy trooper as I knew tomorrow was going to be a shocker.

The penis temple and onsen hotel.

2006-08-02T23:59:00.000+12:00

We set out early to find the penis temple. I had really wanted to visit this before I left Japan.

Apparently it is the biggest penis temple in Japan. The penis temple is used to help with fertility. Apparently, a visit here and your conception worries will be all over.

We went there and I was amazed at the types of penises that were there. There were some MONSTERS - My goodness - I was a little intimidated by the size of some of them. We investigated all the penises before we left. I was a little disappointed. For the biggest penis temple in Japan I didn't think it was all that big. DESPITE this I was happy to have seen the temple.

After that we headed to an island that I had been to with Justin and co after the festivus in December. I hadnt realised that I had been there before until we actually got there. I felt like a bit of a dick but it was a good outing with Yasue nonetheless.

After the outings we headed back to the onsen hotel, had dinner and an amazing outdoor onsen. We headed to bed early. I was very tired (and hadn't been sleeping well).

PENISES

2006-08-02T23:58:00.000+12:00

1 big penis

Many small (Japanese :-P) penises

More penises

Wooden penises.

AND more penises

2006-08-02T23:56:00.000+12:00

An old wooden one.

MMM - tasty!

Penises of stone nestled in the bushes.

This one has a lump - What could it be?

Tunoshima

2006-08-02T23:40:00.000+12:00

Drying squid and fish.

Yasue

Nagato onsen hotel

2006-08-02T23:38:00.000+12:00

DINNER - YUM!

More of dinner.

The attire of the onsen hotel.

Yasue in the onsen attire

1st day of the Hagi festival

2006-08-01T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I did a lot of stuff. I had to pack my apartment into 5 bags - MAN IT SUCKED ASS. I could see many possessions that I really wanted to take home that I would have to leave in Japan (Or throw away!!!) - BUGGER

Yasue came up later in the day.

Hagi was having a festival for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. We went to the festival, had a lamb kebab and saw fireworks.

On the way home we bumped into John (Matt's predecessor) and Crystal. They were going out for a beer so we joined them. In the end most of the Hagi crew met in Sais bar (only my second time here) and had a few drinks.

Yasue and I left early. We were going to Nagato tomorrow to check out the penis temple and an onsen hotel.

Leaving Presents (From the rugby club).

2006-07-30T23:59:00.000+12:00

A 'No Side' bar bib.

Hagi Rugby Jersey.

Number 14.

Peetaa. The Kanji means -SECRETS-GREAT-MANY (Last 2).
I Guess it means 'many great secrets' - Quite fitting for me I think.

Rugby Leaving Enkai

2006-07-29T23:58:00.000+12:00

Lots of fun.

Kissing the guns.

Posers.

The 'No Side' crew.

Rugby Leaving Enkai - More Pics.

2006-07-29T23:57:00.000+12:00

Everyone was welcome - Even Babies!

Aichan and me.

At the bucket place (the 3rd bar of the night).

Coach Mie and me.

Rugby Leaving Enkai - Even More Pictures

2006-07-29T23:56:00.000+12:00

A long night for this poor soul.

Pimp Mie.

A long night for Mie.

Last J-man standing.

The Leaving Enkai - The First Restaurant

2006-07-26T23:58:00.000+12:00

The meal was overlooking the sea and a beautiful sunset.

Table 1

Table 2

At 'No side' bar.

No Side

2006-07-26T23:57:00.000+12:00

Some teachers at one of my schools.

Spiller.

Furusho Sensei.

The 'No Side' bar staff.

It Gets Worse, MUCH WORSE.

2006-07-26T23:56:00.000+12:00

HMMMM.

At the Hostess Bar.

Leaving Ceremony

2006-07-20T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today was my leaving ceremony at Kawakami (one of my favvourite schools). It was nice. I received gifts fomr teh students. My favourite students are at Kawakami. They are very nice and good for a joke.

I got presented with a tie from the Kocho Sensei (maybe a hint :-)) and some presents from the students. They had all written to me.

I had to do a speech. Some of it was in Japanese but most was in English. It was actually a really well done speech and I wished the teachers and students could have understood it. After my speech I walked down the hall between the students and teachers and said goodbye to all of them. I went back to the staff room and waited for everyone to return.

I was amused at the number of girls that wrote "I love you". Of a school of 20 girls(40 in total) I managed to get 10. - Quite impressive I thought.

The day ended at 12 and I went home. I will miss the students at this school. I was a little sad to be leaving.

The day after Juu – ban

2006-07-19T23:59:00.000+12:00

Last night we had juu – ban. It was a very hot curry. For this reason I knew I would pay the price. For the whole night my stomach had been in knots. It was very irritated.

At 8am, whilst at Koma, I was hit with the sudden urge to crap. I headed to the toilet for relief. I guess calling it relief is a little misleading. I find with squat toilets going for a crap is never relieving. I like to spend time on the toilet, read a book and relax. This was not the case. The curry had caused ‘fire poo’. It was horrible. I had to squat for half an hour and it was not a pleasurable experience.
When I returned from the toilet my JTE was worried about me and asked where I had been. All I had to say was “Coco’s Cuury, Juu – ban”. We laughed about it and mused at the stupidity of such an act.

JUU BAN

2006-07-18T23:59:00.000+12:00

Two months ago, Dave and I were at the curry shop and decided that the curry was decidedly hot for its rating. The ‘grade 5’ curry was bloody hot (even for me) and I felt that in most places it should be one of the hottest grades (not the middle one). For this reason we set a challenge. We must eat the hottest curry on the menu (grade 10) by the time we leave Japan.

For 2 months now we have been in intense training to eat this curry.

Today it was d-day. A few others had jumped on the band wagon since we decided to do juu-ban.

Dan, Matt, Paul, Oi – sensei, Dave and me descended on Coco’s to endure juu-ban. We ordered. My curry came out first. You could see the oil from the hot sauce. It was coagulating on the top. My god. I looked in fear at my curry. I knew this was not going to be pleasant. The other food came out in dribs and drabs. While this was happening I continued to look at my curry. I was debating how I was going to tackle the curry. Should I eat it fast and let the pain hit me but know that it will be short lived. Or should I eat it slow and although easier to eat it would mean the heat would be in my mouth for longer.

At the last minute I decided to go for the fast option. I chomped down the curry. This curry has the type of heat that doesn’t hit you at first but builds up gradually until it is unbearable. I was finished in a flash. My mouth was burning. While eating the curry I kept telling myself that I’ve eaten hotter in India. After finishing I saw the others struggling over their curries. I knew my tactic was the best for this sort of curry.

After about 10 minutes we had all finished. As we finished a couple of Koko students looked over and wondered what we were doing. They saw we were doing juu – ban and immediately tried it. They were in awe of the heat. They didn’t treat the curry with the same respect as we had and they paid the price. They were running to the toilet and making a right scene. It was hilarious.

We discussed our feat - Juu – ban for the first and probably only time. It was a battle of will. We had all endured the pain and were proud of our performance. I left Cocos for the last time and knew that I would have good memories of the curries, and of course, the juu – ban that had been dominated.

I DROPPED MY CELL IN THE WATER :-(

2006-07-18T23:58:00.000+12:00

The other day I was at the beach.

My cell phone and wallet were in my shoe. As I was making my way back to the car, jumping from rock to rock, my cell phone and wallet fell into the water.

My cell phone was only submerged for a second but I know that in salt water, a second is all it takes. I tried the rest of the evening to get it dry and working BUT no luck!

Today I cancelled my phone plan as my cell still doesn't work

THIS MEANS I AM NO LONGER CONTACTABLE BY PHONE

IF YOU WANT TO CONTACT ME SEND MAIL TO MY PERSONAL ACCOUNT: p_stubbs@hotmail.com

Back to Hagi

2006-07-17T01:34:00.000+12:00

I went back to Hagi today.

I had enjoyed myself this weekend. I had relaxed, done nothing and spent some time with Stirling.

Overall, A GOOD WEEKEND!!

Chill day in Shimonoseki

2006-07-16T01:33:00.000+12:00

We did nothing today.

Stirling and I watched 'The Office Space" and "Adaptation".

The office space is a great movie and I found it absolutely hilarious.

Adaptation is also a good movie. Thanks to Stirlings explanations I understood many parts of the movie that would have otherwise been lost on me.

Rob, Striling and I headed to the Latin Quarter. It was good. Stirling, who had chopped a half bottle of Absinthe, faded early. Rob and I stayed out, went to Karaoke and had some good yarns. We had one interesting experience but that is not for the blog :-).

Chill day and Kokura

2006-07-15T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I headed to Shimonoseki. I didn't do a lot. I slept, watched a movie, bought some absinthe and ate.

it was really nice to do nothing :-)

That night we headed to Kokura. We went to a new Hawaiian bar. It was ok but there weren't many people there.

And I think I've got it bad

2006-07-15T11:45:00.000+12:00

(A good friend of mine sent me this email today. I've been a little concerned for her and have sent a few emails since I heard what was going on.)

Here is her reply email

Dear Everyone

Thank you all for your concern, your emails and phone calls. Things are really not going well here in Lebanon right now as you know, but i luckily got here from Prague right in time, a few hours before the Beirut international aeroport was bombed the first time on the morning of the 13th. Since then, things have gotten much worse - naval blockades have been set up, main highways out of Lebanon have been bombed, a power plant has been hit and even mock bombings have been taking place. The aeroport, which has been hit several more times since yesterday morning, is down for what was meant to be forty-eight hours but which in fact is probably going to be longer. All flights have been diverted to Larnaca, Cyprus. The Hezbullah headquarters has been bombed as well as a number of towns in the South, and a couple in the North. Nasrallah's residence was also raided but it seems he has escaped. We were up half the night last night listening to and watching bombs being dropped.

Downton Beirut is completely shut down, but the rest of Beirut seems to be up and about. My family and I live in the mountains right outside of Beirut, to the East, so even though we can hear and see the bombings and gunshots, we are safe.

The US has vetoed UN demands for Israel to withdraw and so the international community has been slow in it's respone to this international crisis. I personally cannot believe how long it is taking for action to be taken. Right now the number of Lebanese killed is 60, wounded more. I am not sure if that is an accurate number, but that was what it was when I last checked.

As i have already said to some of you, there is not much we can do right now except be hopeful. Even pragmatic. If we feel that it truly isn't safe to stay then we will do what we can to leave the country - that would be quite difficult though. Our contingency plan would be to get to Syria and then make our way to Jordan and finally either Egypt or Cyprus. We haven't reached that point of desperation though, because despite the worries, we are continuing our everyday lives. I am just so relieved that I got here before all this started happening. Thankfully my whole family is together.

I will keep you updated on anything else that happens. Again, thank you all for your concern and phone calls and emails etc. It truly means a lot to me. I have internet access every second, so rest assured that I wil let you know what is going on.

With all my love,

Talar

The horrible movie

2006-07-14T01:35:00.000+12:00

Today after much deliberation we decided to get a movie that none of us had seen. I forget what it was called but it was an absolute shocker. It was about people who had created a commune because the outside world was too dangerous. To stop people venturing out of the village they made up monsters that would frequently visit the village if people left the compound.

Sounds shocking - I know. It was disgraceful!!

Next time I think we should get the SUPERMAN MOVIES and have a SUPERMAN night. Everytime I suggest this my suggestion is booed and ridiculed. I definitely think the superman movies (any of them) would have been better than the movie we watched.

Peter - kun

2006-07-13T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I went to another ALT’s house to pick up some money I was owed. When I entered the house the ALT’s supervisor was there. This particular ALT said _____ sensei, this is Peter-kun.

I looked at him in a funny way but let it slide. As I don’t get on with this ALT that much anyway I though that it was in my best interests not to say anything. I knew it was purposeful though and I knew that this ALT wanted to show his supervisor that he felt he was dominant. I thought it was ridiculous BUT as I say, I let it slide.

We talked for a little bit before his supervisor left. As his supervisor was leaving she said “Goodbye Peter Sensei”. The ALT corrected her and said “No, no, it’s Peter-kun”…I looked at the ALT and said “what the fuck are talking about ______-kun”. His supervisor realized what was going on and said bye. The ALT passed it off as a joke. If I truly believe it was meant as a joke, I don’t think I would have a problem with it. However the way this ALT works I don’t think it was.

The thing that frustrates me is that this ALT wanted his supervisor to believe he was superior to me. I think this ALT is very pretentious, if he thinks he is superior to me and very arrogant to say such a thing. Had I not intervened this would not have been ‘a joke’. His supervisor did not understand this as a joke. Maybe the ALT thought I wouldn’t understand what he was saying and that I wouldn’t know he was talking down to me. Unfortunately for him I did understand.

Now this brings to mind a few things. WHY DOES THIS ALT THINK HE IS SO GREAT? Why does he think the sun shines out of his arse? To be honest, whatever he thinks, his head is so far up his arse there is NO room for the sun to shine. I would like to tell this ALT that he is doing the same job as me, we went through the same selection process and on a ranking system, if there was one, we would be at the same level. He has a Bachelors degree, as do I. He teaches classes in Japan, as do I.

WHAT MAKES HIM THINK HE IS SUPERIOR?
WHAT MAKES HIM THINK HE’S WORTHY ENOUGH TO ELEVATE HIMSELF ABOVE ME?

I think there are many people like this on JET. They think they are a lot more important than they are. They have been in Japan for too long. They are used to being treated as kings and speaking down to people. It is all very well to speak down to your students but to speak down to your peers is not acceptable. You maybe be a big shot in Japan but in you’re home country you’re (probably) a nobody. I think people should keep things in perspective, know their true place in society and be happy with it.

Hofu day 2

2006-07-12T02:03:00.000+12:00

We woke up early - too early for my liking ( no earlier than I'd normally get up though!)

We had a pretty cruisy day. In the morning we helped the students with the plays they were preparing. This really consisted of us talking to them and hanging out. It was really fun to talk to the students.

In the afternoon they preformed the plays. They were all really great. I had a good time watching all of them. They had Cinderella, Red riding hood and 2 Japanese ones (in English). I was impressed at thow they all turned out. The students had worked really hard on the plays and it showed.

After that we had a quiz. This was good but dominated by 2 boys. They were very knowledgeable. For the first time I was impressed buy the knowledge of Japanese students.

The day ended at 3pm. It was a good 2 days but I found that I was still really tired from the weekend.

For this reaosn I went straight back to Hagi and slept.

Hofu Day 1

2006-07-11T02:03:00.000+12:00

Today I was teaching classes at Hofu. They were having an English day (2 days).

To be honest ot was nice to get out of Hagi and do something different. I really like teaching high school students. They know a lot more English than Chugako and shogakosei and you can have more than a "How are you?" relationship with them.

I taught 4 classes. They were fun. 2 were really good, 2 were really bad. I did one of Shalkovs shouting games - I'd give it a C for effectiveness.

We got a good bento for lunch and had a good (free) dinner.

The day was good but the students were relly tired. They had had exams the previous week. It was also bloody hot and humid (not helping the tiredness).

I hoped that Wednesday would be more energetic.

Last Day at Akiragi

2006-07-10T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today was my last day at Akiragi.

This is one of my favourite schools. I played 'the music game' with all 3 classes. They really enjoyed it, as did I. As it was 35 Degrees Celcius in the classroom, I think they were glad that they didn't have an activity that was too strenuous.

We had our last classes and I said goodbye to all the students. I thought it might have been a 'tear show' with the students turning into blubbering messes. BUT not today. The students were composed and said goodbye as I like it - With no fuss at all. They had a ceremony for me and presented me with gifts.

My JTE got me a Japan national rugby jersey and I gave him a really nice Tri Nations rugby ball. I don't think he liked my gift all that much but I guess thats life. I thought it was a good present!!

I had to go to Hofu so my JTE gave me a ride to Shin - Yamaguchi. Again, there were no tears when we farewelled. This guy is probably my best Japanese friend. I guess thats life - Friends come and friends go!!!

Last Day (Pics)

2006-07-10T23:58:00.000+12:00

The Ichinensei's (As you can see I did the peace sign)
ALEX, YOU WON THE BET :-P

The Sannensei's (A class of contrasts)

The Ninensei's (My favourite class)
My favourite student in is the 3rd from the left sitting down.

The Ninensei's (An action shot!)

The Leavers Party

2006-07-08T23:59:00.000+12:00

We all decended on Shimonoseki. It was at the beer city. A lot of the Yamaguchi JETs made it to the occasion.

I was happy to see some people and not so happy to see others. When there are so many people in a group, this is often the case. Those I dislike would become more disliked by the end of the night.

A synopses of the night. We went to beer city and had a good nomi/tabehodai. We then headed to the beer city in Shimonoseki. The train ride there was interesting. Steph - Pole dancing, Matt - Doing gymnastics, Crystal - Absolutely shit faced.

While at the Shimonoseki beer city we had the Zenzen awards. A lot of the winners were predictable but a few had no clear winner.

I was up for 4.

Sports Personality
Slackest ALT
Sukebe Award
Scandal

I came second in the slackest ALT section. I was a bit fucked off by this. I'm not a slack ALT - I just don't believe in talking about work all the time as some people do. I guess this can be judged as being slack or APPEARING slack.

I won the sukebe award. I probably deserve this award. I said a really lame spech when I received this award. The reason for this was that I had had some nasty words said to me and I was scared that in my drunkeness, if I statred rambling, that things could get ugly. I didn't want to be the downer of the night.

What I wanted to say was that I don't have a mind any sukebier than anyone else. I just say what I think. Many people have thoughts much worse than me but aren't nearly so open. So to say that I have the filfthiest mind is probably grossly mistaken (and I shouldn't have won the award). To say I SAY the dirtiest shit is probably true - And I'll quite happily accept the award for that (and think I deserve it).

After this we sang some Karaoke.

I left early. I was tired and had a sore voice.

Beer Station

2006-07-08T23:58:00.000+12:00

Keith, Crystal and me (with a very pleasant view :-P)

Beer station, Mojiko.

Random Pic

Guys with Hawaiian shirts are either big fat party animals or gay. Justin is NOT a big fat party animal.....HMMMMMM.

Marks Golfing Prowess

2006-07-08T23:57:00.000+12:00

He lines up the ball.

A half swing. Pretty good pick up.

Superb Follow through - 'Elementary my dear Watson'.

Beer City - Shimonoseki

2006-07-08T23:55:00.000+12:00

Cindi and me.

Big Poppa doing his thing.

Mark picking his nose.

Megan

Steph and Tom S (It begins)

2006-07-08T23:40:00.000+12:00

It starts tame

Such a gentleman

It starts going bad

Work it guys

More Steph and Tom S

2006-07-08T22:00:00.000+12:00

It gets better.

Saluting the crowd.

Finding his girl.

Down and dirty.

Who turned up the heat?

2006-07-08T21:44:00.000+12:00

Go you good thing go.

Oh yeah.

Great stuff

House Cleaning (Absolutely disgraceful)

2006-07-06T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I decided to clean my house. It was an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE. Also, on Saturday Stirling is coming to pick up my stuff. I didn't want to be embarrassed at the horrible state of affairs.

To be honest I hadn't cleaned my house in 6 weeks. Since Yasue and I broke up I have had no reason to clean my house. I have no visitors and I have no 'lady friends'. Because of this I allowed my house to fester and wallowed in its own filfth.

I don't mind untidiness BUT I do mind poor hygiene. My house was becoming a health hazard. You know those people on Discovery that come around with swabs to see bacteria and fungi in the house (and then tell you how unclean it is). Well, there were parts of my house that needed NO swab. You could quite easily see the bacteria and fungi growing. It was like I had established a new ecosystem - My own little experimental forest of bacteria and fungi.

It took 3 hours, 7 rubbish bags and a lot of good music to clean my house. Even after this, there were still parts of my house that were unacceptable. These will be cleaned at a later date.

DISGRACEFUL

2006-07-06T23:58:00.000+12:00

The wee forest growing in my bath tub.

I don't know how I could possibly wear barefeet in this squaller of poor hygiene

Impressions of a last day

2006-07-05T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today was my last day at this school. It was a very touching day.

The first class of the day was the Ichi/ninensei. They were genki as always. One kid feels obligated to jump on my arm. Others hug me. At the end of the class they all got in a big line. I gave those that were crying a big hug. The others I picked up and allowed the use of my body as a climbing frame one last time. Apparently they were saying in Japanese “Don’t go Peter, don’t go”. It was touching and very cute.

The next class was the san/yonnensei. They were calm. The class was a bit solemn but I think that was more the teacher than anything. A few of the girls wanted a hug. Despite this it wasn’t too emotional.

The last class was the go/rokunensei. We played in the gym. The Japanese teacher felt that as it was my last day we should do something that me and the students would enjoy. We played traditional Japanese games. It was really fun. At the end of the class I was asked to make a speech.

I did my speech in Japanese and English. Towards the end of my speech I noticed the class was getting very agitated. I finished my speech and looked to the Japanese teacher. The Japanese teacher said something in Japanese and then started balling. After this I turned to see the whole class crying. Their eyes were filling with tears. I didn’t know what to do.

I guess, in a way, I felt guilty that I wasn’t crying. I’m one of these people that likes to leave quietly, without a fuss. With all these people crying I felt embarrassed and a little uncomfortable. It was sad for me but I don’t think it was as sad for me as it was for them. I’ve said a lot of goodbyes to people in the past. It hurts but I think I’ve grown immune to them.

I then thought of how the different nensei’s reacted differently. It was quite a difference.

Here’s what I thought the different nensei’s were thinking :-)

Ichinensei’s – He’s leaving. I don’t really understand what is happening. Everyone is acting a bit weird towards him. I think I’ll try and speak English to him. He seems happy when we do this. (I got a lot of “Hello Peter, I’m HAPPY/ANGRY/SLEEPY). It was cute.

Ninensei’s – He’s leaving. This is the last time we can jump and climb on him. OH NO. We must mob him, jump on him, play with him and talk to him all at the same time. TIME IS PRECIOUS – We must do this now. We may never be able to do this to anyone in the world ever again.

Sannensei – He’s leaving. I think he will come back to Japan. No need to be too sad.

Yonnensei – He’s leaving. I didn’t really like him anyway.

Gonensei (All boys) – He’s leaving. I really like him but he he’s being replaced by a girl so that will probably be better :-). I’d still like him to stay though.

Rokunensei – He’s leaving. OH NO. I love him. I don’t want him to leave. I want to marry him (for the girls (and maybe one boy)). We’ll never see him again. OH NO. I’m so sad. Maybe if I cry he’ll want to stay.

The whole school came out to say goodbye to me. Most of them were crying. I left in the Kocho Sensei’s car. The kids followed the car until it was going too fast to keep up. It was a very nice gesture.

I’LL SAY THIS ABOUT ME

The teachers may hate me, the BOE may think I’m a pain in the arse and want to fuck me over, the ALT’s may think I’m a dirty fucker unworthy of any respect, the Japanese public may think I’m a whitey inflicting my deviant ways on the Japanese society BUT and I say a big BUT….

THE KIDS LIKE ME!!!

AND FOLKS (whatever anyone might say) – THAT’S WHY I TEACH IN JAPAN!!

Mum called me later that day. I told her of the ordeal and how I felt it was a bit over the top. She agreed but added that although I go to schools every day and have become used to seeing the Japanese kids, they have not become used to seeing me. They only see me once a month. She said that my visit might be the highlight of the month – Possibly even the highlight of their schooling days. This might be true and I guess is a very flattering thing to think.

After hearing this, I think this is how I’ll look at things. It makes be feel good when I put things like this.

After the Yukata Party

2006-07-02T23:59:00.000+12:00

We woke up at Beckys with the TV blaring. Paul and I had wanted to watch the Brazil game last night but had fallen asleep.

We farted about at Becky's for the morning. We left at 14:00 and headed to Kaiten sushi (My favourite). I had my usual avocado sushi - Absolutely Brilliant - Living up to all expectations!!!

We headed back to Hagi. The others went to the beach. I decided not to. I was suffering from a 'social hangover'.

The Yukata Party

2006-07-01T23:59:00.000+12:00

30 odd Yamaguchi - ites decended on a little Italian restaurant where we had nomi-tabehodai.

We were all dressed in Jinbes and Yukatas. This actually not what I had planned to do tonight. I had wanted to go to Shimane for rugby/BBQ but the trains had stopped due to the heavy rain the night before.

So as a 2nd placed option I decided to go to the Yukata party. Fortunately there was a free space as someone had pulled out.

The night was good and I had a pretty good time until the unfortunate incident where some Yamaguchi - ites bad mouthed me. I'll write about this in another blog as I feel it deserves a special blog post. It somes up my feelings of a few people in this ken and is not an isolated incident.

Overall though the night was pretty good. Thanks to Tom Rogers I didn't do (or say) something stupid when I heard people had been bad - mouthing me. Tom, if you read this, cheers mate. I appreciate the walk round the block we took to cool me down.

The night ended with a huge thunder storm where we all got soaked.

OH, AND ENGLAND LOST THE SOCCER TO PORTUGAL... Hard luck England!!!

The Yakata Party (Pics)

2006-07-01T23:58:00.000+12:00

We were given a survey - SPOT THE TEACHER!!!!

All of us in Yukatas and Jinbes

The second restaurant

Notice anything unusual about this photo?
(I got pissed off and was "sticking it to the man!")

The Friday night

2006-06-30T23:59:00.000+12:00

I was supposed to go out with Matt and a few Hagi party. On my way to the pub, I was spotted by the rugby boys. They told me to come drinking with them. I went to a snack bar. We were there for a while. We came with 5 people. After an hour 2 people were outside vomiting. They had to get a hose taking water from the bar to wash away the vomit. When we left one of the guys was lying on the floor on the bar and the other was sleeping on the pavement. It was a sight.

We headed to No Side where we watched the soccer. The game ended up going to penalties. I forget which teams were playing but I know that the team that I wanted to win, won.

We then got talking and exchanging dirty Japanese and English words with the bar tenders. It was a lot of fun. Matt and I contemplated going to the Hostess bar but decided against it. We were tired, it was late and we didn’t want to spend the money.

It was a pretty good night

Boys night in Fukuoka

2006-06-24T11:59:00.000+12:00

It was a good night. I WASN’T DRINKING much. I think I had 4 drinks over the night. We watched the soccer. It was a good game and was happy to have seen it.

I would like to tell more BUT like every boys night “WHAT GOES ON TOUR STAYS ON TOUR”

……

ENOUGH SAID!! :-)

The note

2006-06-23T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today, I got kind of pissed in Hagi. Dan, Furusho Sensei and I got hard on it. We went to an isakaia, snack bar, hostess bar and no side (to watch the soccer). After no side we went to a new bar (new for me) called Shu.

When I went to NO SIDE the bar tender (and pretty good friend) got me a glass of water (without me ordering it). I was surprised as you usually have to order the drink. I was also pretty pissed as we had been to a few bars prior.

The glass of water had a note on it.

TO PETER

ANTIBIOTIC

FROM NO SIDE

Obviously I was more pissed than I had thought. The note was hilarious. I guess he meant that the water was an antibiotic for the alcohol that I had been consuming. I thought it was a great use of the word ‘antibiotic’ :-).

Angry JTE

2006-06-23T23:58:00.000+12:00

Today I got an email from an angry JTE. Thankfully the JTE wasn’t angry with me. Next month I am going to Hofu for 2 days. One of those days falls into the last day of the year with the JTE at that school.

He was so angry. He wrote an email to me. In the email he said that he was SADDENED and MORTIFIED and that he was suffering MORTIFICATION that the BOE could cancel the classes like they did. The mail was very long and angry towards the BOE (Not me thankfully).

Apparently he had rung the BOE and had got the Kocho Sensei of his school to ring the BOE too. My BOE was shocked that an ALT could create so much trouble.

As it happens, when I was at this school today the BOE called and said that in fact I did have a free day and that I could come on that day. My JTE was overjoyed and said “YES, they listened…We will have a good last day (with a huge smile on his face)”

Although I sometimes get angry with Japan and I often wonder if I make any difference at all, I guess for a few kids (and JTEs), I make a difference. It kind of makes it all worth it!!!

The dilemma

2006-06-22T23:59:00.000+12:00

At the moment I have a bit of a dilemma.

I have 2 options but am uncertain which to do. I thought I'd blog about it so people can maybe give me some advice. I don't know everything and I like to have all the facts and possible view points before I make a decision, hence why I am blogging about it!

Well in March this year I was a approached by a lecturer about studying Sport Science as a post - graduate student. Naturally, I was interested by such a request so I enquired more about it. I was told that I could get a scholarship and with my grades I should be able to get quite a big one. This looked like a really good option for me. I had needed something to do when I returned home. I also enjoy studying, challenging myself academically and researching.

My professor had said that she could get me a Christmas scholarship almost definitely and that later in the year she my have a job for me dependant on government funding - WOW - Cool, I'm set.... Or so I thought.

About a month ago my lecturer wrote to me with bad news. She said that the job looked unlkiely and that I wouldn't be able to get the Christmas scholarship because I'm not currently enrolled at the university. She also said (with this same reason) that I wouldn't be able to get a university scholarship for the first semester and that I would have to support myself. I could apply for a scholarship in the second semester but there were no guarantees that I would get one. This was a completely different story to what she had told me in March. I was a little pissed off. I guess though when things start going wrong you start to analyse the whole situation and wonder if its really what you want to do.

A lot of my friends are/were Physiotherapy students. I have always been interested in what they do and I enjoy talking to them about what they study. It has always been an option for me but I have never seriously thought about. Now after this, I've had to analyse all the options and seriously think about my future.

Physiotherapy is a 3 or 4 year course (depending on the papers I can cross credit). Physiotherapy is a subject area that I enjoy. I also think I would enjoy working as a Physio. When you finish studying Physio you come out with an almost assured job. My friend who has recently graduated has been offered 6 jobs since graduating. There is a demand for work in the area and with an aging population this demand will only get greater. There are also job opportunities throughout the world. When I have a family Physiotherapy would be a job that would allow me time to spend with them.

The problem is by the time I graduate Physiotherapy I will have been in University for 7 years. After studying in university for 7 years I would think that I should have a little more than 2 Bachelor degrees! I also wonder if I would get bored of being a Physio. I guess I can keep updating my knowledge which would allow me to keep learning.

Sport Science would give me academic stimulation and a challenge that I would really enjoy. The problem is there is not an assured job at the end of it. I don't want to be 7 years older, a doctor but still unable to find work. If I do become a university professor the lifestyle would be very stressful and I wouldn't be able to spend a lot of time with my family.

To make it easier I will draw up a list of the pros and cons to each option.

PROS to Physio

- Assured job at the end
- Rehabilitate people
- Interesting
- Pretty good money
- Good hours
- (In the future) the time to spend time with my family
- Not too stressful
- Overseas travel possible

CONS to Physio

- Maybe not academically challenging enough
- Possible Boredom (after graduating)
- 7 years at uni for ONLY 2 Bachelor degrees
- No Scholarship
- Best friend has said I might not like it

PROS to Higher Education in Sport Science

- Academically challenging
- Research in my own fields (later in the process)
- Probable scholarship (after one semester)
- A lecturer that really wants to take me under her wing
- Overseas travel likely

CONS to Higher Education in Sport Science

- VERY stressful
- Uncertainty about a job
- Little time to spend with family (In the future)
- Do I really want to do this? (Even with scholarships)
- Uncertainty if I'll be happy doing this

SO I POSE THE QUESTION TO THOSE 2 OR 3 OF YOU THAT READ MY BLOG - WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOULD DO?

The fight

2006-06-21T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I was at a Shogako and as always it was a GREAT (but terribly tiring) experience.

I was playing with the kids at lunch as usual and started giving them piggy back rides. This is usually is quite safe and all the kids love it. The bell rang for the end of lunch and 2 kids still had a piggy back ride to go. What would happen? The two ichinensei's that remained fought over the space on my back. The next minute I hard a smack and turned around to see the 2 kids fighting. I immediately broke it up and picked both of them up, one on one shoulder, one on the other. As soon as I did this they forgot about the fighting and started laughing and wooing.

I guess, time with the ALT is limited and they must make the most of every second and piggy back ride with the ALT. It's flattering in a funny sort of way.

Although I don't condone fighting it was very funny and quite cute.

Mr Itoh's house

2006-06-20T23:59:00.001+12:00

Today I went to my JTE’s place for dinner (the same one that got angry at the BOE). As he lives in Yamaguchi we don’t get much time to hang out. I would like to hang out with this guy more as he speaks good English and is not ‘traditionally’ Japanese.

We had Suki Yakki for dinner. It was good. He insisted on filling me up on meat. I was full after a few servings but still he continued to try and fatten me up! We drank far too much. I cant remember exactly how much but it was a lot.

He had also invited his daughter to the meal. His daughter had invited a friend. I don’t know if this was the case but it seemed he might be trying to set me up with his daughter or her friend. I wasn’t too sure but it seemed that way. I’m usually pretty good a analyzing such things. However, this is Japan – Nothing is as it seems!!

The night was god and I had a good time with my JTE. I learnt a new English saying “to polish the apple” or in kiwi “To kiss ass”. Quite funny. I had never heard the saying before but I knew what it meant the moment he said it.

He went to bed at 1am and left me talking to the girls. We stayed up for an hour more before I decided I was too drunk to talk and should head to bed. The girls seemed disappointed. I had work in the morning and cant be too hung over. I hate going to work (especially) hung over and tired.

I got a big glass of water and went to bed.

It was a good night.

The Cloaca

2006-06-20T23:59:00.000+12:00

I was taught this word by an ex - Biology teacher. He said he liked the sound of it.

A cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal, urinary, genital, and reproductive tracts of certain animal species. The word comes from Latin, and means "sewer".

Basically. Its an all purpose hole. Used for poo, wee and sex.

Now ever since the time I heard this word I've been waiting to use this word in a sentence. A couple of months ago, I had my opportunity. Matt had a sheep that he adored. Now among other things this sheep only had one hole in the back of it. I immediately pounced to action.

"AH HAHA, look that sheeps got a cloaca"
People were like "What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Its an all in one hole..And this sheep has one!"
People dimissed the coment at first but I have continued to bring it up everytime I see the sheep.

It's taken me 6 years to use this word in a sentence. Now, finally I get to use it people are not impressed one bit.

HOW SAD!!!

Where have all the people gone?

2006-06-19T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I arrived at my school and there was no one there.

It was 8.25am. I looked around and thought, “WOW, this is really quiet for a Shogako”. I then tried to open the doors and they were locked.

Where are all the people? As this was my first time at this school, I was a little concerned that I had gone to the wrong school. I walked around for a bit and asked a passerby if this was in fact the Shogako I was supposed to be at. He said “Hai, ______ shogako…But today there is no school”.

WHAT THE FUCK!!!

NO SCHOOL!!!

I’m supposed to be teaching here today. I immediately rang my supervisor. I said “I’m at ________ Shogako and there is no one here. Where is everyone?”. He said “I’m sorry but I didn’t tell you that there are no classes today.”...”Well, What do you want me to do today?”. He said “You can choose, the BOE or home”. Given such an option I naturally chose home.

I cycled the 5km back home and slept.

I was a little frustrated that I wasn’t able to teach and even more frustrated that I wasnt told that there were no classes.

I’ll save the rant though. I guess that’s life. I have become accustomed to such ridiculous situations in Japan so I won’t complain anymore (You just have to read my blog posts this year to hear my all my rants)

NO MONEY!!

2006-06-19T23:52:00.000+12:00

For the last few weeks I’ve had very little money. In fact I managed to live on 14,000 YEN in the last 2 weeks of the month. Remembering that I have to take buses (or trains) to all my schools this is not a bad effort. I had a couple of foodless days but overall managed to survive. I actually ran 15km back from one of my schools. Not only was it good exercise but it also saved 500YEN!

As I don’t have any flights to pay this month, I will have no money worries. It will be the first month since November that I won’t have any flights to pay for. I’ll be glad of the extra money.

Hamada beach

2006-06-18T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today we went to the beach in Hamada. It was very nice. I would like to go back sometime. We played sumo, swam at the beach and all in all had a good time. As we were all VERY hung over we were happy for the freshness of the water.

We returned to Hagi latish. I went straight to sleep.

Shimane Saturday

2006-06-17T23:59:00.000+12:00

We woke up and I was feeling pumped for the soccer to come today. I felt that we had a chance of really winning some games. We had shown a lot of improvement in the last game in Awaji. If we brought that to Shimane I was certain we would win a few games. We also had Cody, a very good soccer player (and striker).

We got to the ground. Unfortunately we had no time to warm up. The game was toi start at precisely 9.30am. We got on the field. We had the Japanese team first. They looked like a really good outfit and obviously played a lot. The first half was close. We gave them a real run for their money.

Unfortunately the referee wasn’t calling any of their off sides, something that really pissed me off. He also allowed for no contact. Even if it was a legal tackle, if contact was made it was a foul. This was difficult for us to adjust to as we are an aggressive team. We faltered twice in the second half and let in 2 soft goals. We lost the first game 2- 0.

The second game was against Fukuoka. We lost this game 3 – 1. We also lost our third game. I sometimes why Yamaguchi play in soccer tournaments. We never win and at times are hardly competitive. My view on it is that we have a team that enjoys the feeling of being part of a team. E are the underdog in every game. The thin gs is when we play well and give teams a run for their money I fell a sense of pride. Half our team have never played soccer before. The fact that we can even be slightly competitive says something for our spirit. We play with heart NOT skill. Unfortunately heart can only get so far.

Despite this I LOVE [playing soccer with Yamaguchi (despite losing). What we lose on the field we gain off it. I feel more comfortable with the soccer guys than I do with anyone else in Japan. Sport brings out the best in people and the best in friendships which is why I think everyone comes back to play again and again, despite huge loses.

After the games we sat around and chatted. We watched the girls who were in the finals. They performed well but lost. The 2nd consecutive tournament where the girls finished 2nd.

We farted around a bit longer before heading to the onsen. This was nice and relaxing and just what was needed before a havy night on the piss. It was all you can drink and all you can eat.

We got back to the campsite and waited for the festivities to start. Although it was supposed to start at 5.30, things didn’t start rolling until 7pm.

WE had a lot of drinks played “I have never” (Again, I drank for most of them) and had an all in all good time. My memory runs a blank on what else happened that night.

All I know is that it was a great night and probably the best party I’ve been to in Japan.

Shimane - Friday

2006-06-16T23:59:00.000+12:00

I woke up early to get to the doctors in Fukuoka. Unfortunately I had to to travel most the day to get to Fukuoka (from Shimonoseki and then back to Hagi. We were going to Shimane tonight.

I arrive din Fukuoka at 10.30am and got my results from the doctor. They were all good, thank god!!

I then made the trek back to Hagi. Due to all the connection that have to be made, I wasn’t going to get back to Hagi until 4pm. This is not ideal and a horrible waste of a Nenkyu day. But what has to be done has to be done!!

I got back to Hagi and was really tired. I watched a few episodes of the Simpsons.

Rosie and Dan came by at about 6pm. We were off to Shimane. We picked up Dave in Abu, got a feed and were off.

It took about 4 hours to get to Shimane. We were there by 11pm, after getting lost. The directions were horrible but we managed to find the place eventually. We bunked up in one of the cabins. Crystal’s car arrived shortly after ours. The marine boys were genki as usual. They have a very good sense of humor and are absolutely hilarious in my eyes.

We watched a bit of soccer, drank some beer and played silly buggers before heading to bed.

GOOOOOAL

2006-06-13T23:59:00.000+12:00

Yesterday I watched Japan play Australia in the soccer world cup.

...And

Australia won 3 - 1 (with 3 goals in the last 10 minutes).

I said before the game that I wanted Japan to win but during the game I was cheering when Australia did well and cussing when they did badly. I think this means I wanted Australia to win.

The game was good but Japan squandered a number of good chances. They also got tired towards the end allowing in 3 late goals.

My only words on this are said with a weee chuckle.

HARD LUCK JAPAN - BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!

Going to the wrong school – Not MY fault this time!!

2006-06-12T23:59:00.000+12:00

I was tired as a fuck and had to get up at 6am. I had had 2 hours sleep. I love going to Koma but I hate the early bus.

I got on the bus and dozed off. The students on the bus were genki as usual. When I arrived at Koma my JTE looked at me in a confused manner. “Peter, Why are you here?” “Ummmm, because I’m at Koma today”. He said “No, you’re not. I rang your supervisor last week to say that you weren’t to come today”. “Oh, that’s not good.”We laughed and said that he would ring my supervisor at 8,30am (it was 7.25am at the time). I didn’t mind that I was at the wrong school. I just wondered “what school am I supposed to be at?” We waited and talked until 8.30am. The staff found the situation hilarious.

We rang my supervisor at 8.30am. He said that he had forgotten that the day had been changed and told me to come to the BOE.

I was a little pissed by this but accepted that mistakes happen. As the Koma teachers were going to Hagi for a conference I got a lift to the BOE with them.

I was at the BOE, not 15 minutes, when my supervisor came in and said “This room is needed for a meeting”. That’s ok “Where do you want me to go?” He said “HOME, you have nothing to do here!” I thanked him and left. I went to the gym and had an early lunch before going to sleep.
I was kind of happy to be sent home early. I had only had 2 hours sleep the previous night.

Miyajima - Sunday

2006-06-11T23:59:00.000+12:00

I woke up late again in Crystal’s car. Unfortunately there is a period of 3 hours that you have to be off the marine base. For this reason we ended up in Crystal’s car again. It was ok though. I managed to sleep as I was still tired from the Friday night.

We went back on base at 8am and slept till 12. We got up and had breakfast at ’chow- - hall”. It was pretty cool and the food was pretty good.

Apparently some of the food can be pretty bad. For example Cody said that he saw a box of meat that said “GRADE D MEAT. FOR PRISON AND MILITARY USE ONLY”. I was shocked that they got such crappy food. Apparently the marines get the worse food of all the armed forces.

After lunch we decided to do some shopping. I bought Gatorade and pop tarts. These are 2 of my favorite American food items (I can’t get them in NZ so love it when I can get them).

As we didn’t want to waste the day away we decided to go to Miyajima.

Miyajima was nice. We went to a beach on the backside of the island and met with one of Crystal’s friends. It was a good time and I enjoyed myself. We chilled on the beach, swam and played Frisbee. We stayed at Miyajima until 7pm.

We left Miyajima and headed to Coco’s Curry for dinner.

We then went back to the marine base. Unfortunately we didn’t leave the base until 1.30am. I was a little frustrated by this but couldn’t complain too much as I had had a good weekend.

I got home at 3.30am

Marine Base - Saturday

2006-06-10T23:59:00.000+12:00

I woke up I Crystal’s car at 11.30am. SHIT – We have to be at Miyajima in half an hour. I gave Crystal a ring. She said that everyone was very hung over. I said that I was nt all the keen to go but would if everyone else was keen. I think this was the group consensus so we decided that it would be best if we didn’t go.

We hung around the marine base. I watched TV for most of day. It was nice to watch all English channels. I LOVE watching TV. I also got to see the “All Blacks vs Ireland” first test. Although the All blacks played horrible rugby they won by 10 points. I guess for the first test of the season it wasn’t too bad. Ireland have been playing for the whole season.

After this I watched Aussie rules, and a movie. We went out for dinner.

Overall it was a quiet night. It was good and just what I wanted after the huge Friday night.

The Marine Base Party

2006-06-09T23:59:00.000+12:00

Crystal and I arrived at the marine base where we were signed on by Cody and Jeff. They said they were looking forward to the rugby tomorrow but were also looking forward to the drinking sessions that would occur tonight.

They said “All you can eat, all you can drink. It should be awesome”. They said that they didn’t get on so well with the people that were running the party and that there could be some fighting. I wasn’t to keen for this but said that I would be keen for the free food and drink.

We got to the party. There was a lot of drink and American beer (YEYA). There was also Mexican – Burritos, Salsa and Guacamole. I would like to make a public statement for the record “GUOCOMOLE IS MY FAVORITE FOOD!!”

We ate and drank a lot. I blacked out but remember doing 3 or 4 shots of Tequila. Apparently I also did a half cup of pure liquor – NOTO GOODO.

We headed out to Iwakuni where I remember dancing, going back to the marine base and waiting outside. I then remember someone coming for me. Apparently we went back out after that – Of which, I have no recollection!!

Overall it was a good night. I am uncertain how I got to bed (Crystal’s car) but woke up there in the morning.

THE PROPOSITION FOR SEX

2006-06-09T23:58:00.000+12:00

After going to Fukuoka for a doctors appointment, I waited at Shin-Yamaguchi for Crystal. We were going to the Marine base tonight and the rugby on Miyajima tomorrow. I was looking forward to it.

While I was waiting for Crystal (I had a 3 hour wait), I bumped into a few girls. They sat next to me and started talking to me. One was very interested in me. We talked a lot and flirted a little bit. I asked if she had a bf. She said she did. As the conversation progressed the bf turned from a bf that was cool, to a guy who had a lot of problems, to a guy she was considering breaking up with.

I know such a progression means that she is becoming more interested in me. It was amusing! Anyways, I was talking to this girl for about 2 hours. She missed her train to continue talking to me!

Crystal came but parked on the other side of the car park.. As I was walking to the car with this girl she said “You know, I want to be a solo Mum”. I was like “Ok, that’s cool. But being a solo Mum is difficult”. She said “Gambarimasu – Fighto”. She then said “You know a half Japanese – half gaijin baby would be very good looking :-)”. I realized this was a proposition and laughed. I said “Yes they are very good-looking”.

I got in the car and said goodbye. On the way to Iwakuni Crystal and I mused about the proposition.

I must say this is one weirdest ways I’ve ever been propositioned for sex.

I took it as a compliment though. It’s amazing that a girl would find me attractive enough to want my baby. It is a little freaky (and weird) though so I won’t take her up on her offer :-).

The Mouse

2006-06-05T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today was like any other morning. It was Monday and I was brushing my teeth in front of the mirror.

SUDDENLY, I noticed a mouse out of the corner of my eye. I forgot about my teeth and immediately sprang to action. I started chasing the mouse all over the toilet. I wanted to kill it. I hate these little mice. They have a habit of being very difficult to catch. I thought if I could corner it I’d be able to kill it. The problem was I had no killing device. I needed to find something to crush it with. I looked around and couldn’t find anything that I considered appropriate. I searched in the toilet cubicle and all I could find (that was semi appropriate) was the toilet scraper. It wasn’t ideal but would have to do. I wanted to kill the mouse. It was my quest for the moment.

I was like a tiger stalking its prey. The mouse knew I was there. It knew I was hunting it down. Its only way to get out alive was to escape. It knew this and was frantically trying to side step me. Unfortunately for the youngun I’m an experienced campaigner. I know how to corner, catch and kill a mouse.

We danced around a bit - Me with toilet scraper in hand. I knew I had the upper hand. The mouse had no way to escape. If it was going to get away it would have to out run me. I knew it wouldn’t be able to do such a thing.

We played games for about 2 minutes before I cornered it in the closet. It tried to make a few runs but I was too fast. It then decided to hide behind a bucket. I knew this would be the trickiest past of the kill. If I went for it and missed, the mouse would have the upper hand and could get away. We both knew this.

I quietly approached and slowly lowered the toilet scraper to the mouse. Then like lighting I struck the mouse and crushed it with the scraper. I squished it into the ground. As I squished it I heard the crack of the spine. I elevated the toilet scraper. I had critically injured the mouse. I saw its legs twitching. This spasticity is typical when the spinal chord has been severed. Seeing it moving and suffering, I decided to put it out of the misery and pain and squished it until it was no longer moving. I had to put it out of its misery – I’m not a heartless bastard that wants to see animals suffer. Just as I killed the mouse a teacher walked in to the toilet. He looked at me with confusion and wondered what I was doing. I guess with my head in the closet and toilet scraper in my hand he is allowed to question. I showed him the mouse and he laughed.

We then mused about scaring the female teachers in the staffroom with the dead mouse. We thought it would be funny but felt it may not be well received.

We disposed of it outside.

I returned to the office to tell the JTE of my kill. She laughed politely but didn’t seem impressed.

Right now, I’m beaming from ear to ear. I’m happy with my kill and newfound hunting prowess :-P.

Awajishima 2 - Sunday

2006-06-04T23:59:00.000+12:00

I woke up today and despite drinking a shit load last night I wasn’t very hung over. We had breakfast, before heading to the pitch and preparing for our first game.

As in this Awaji there was no losers bracket we were up against the same Okayama team we played on Saturday. Last game it was 3 – 0. We hoped that things would be different this game. We warmed up. Some people were supporting injuries. Last night I had had a really bad foot and could barely walk. Fortunately the pain had subsided to a with-standable level. I think I may have trapped a nerve.

We got prepared. When we got onto the field we were pumped and aggressive. We play a lot better when we are aggressive. There was a lot of nudging. I got pissed off and hit a player on the other team when he tried to shoulder barge me. I then called him a “fuckin idiot” on numerous occasions. I also did a slide tackle and got one guy really upset – HAHAHA.

To be honest I was DISGRACED at the conduct of a lot of the soccer players. They were flying around, holding their legs and being right Hollywood’s.

THEY HAVE TO GET HARD – THEY ARE A VERY FRAGILE BUNCH. Get up, get over it and keep playing.

To be honest most of the soccer players I’ve played against are a BUNCH OF FUCKIN PUSSIES. It’s ridiculous.

After squandering a few opportunities we ended up losing 0 – 1. Not a bad effort. We were actually really competitive in this game.

For the rest of the ay we watched the girls play. They came second and played really well – GOOD WORK GIRLS!!

The trip home was amusing as it was there. The Hagi car was definitely the coolest car of the bunch :-). Its amazing how if you get a group of likeminded males in a car, 8 hours can pass really quickly.

We mused about ‘the hairy caterpillar’ and many other incidents of the weekend. It was great.

We arrived back to Hagi at 11pm.

Awajishima 2 - Saturday

2006-06-03T23:59:00.000+12:00

We all woke up early in anticipation for the day to come. We were all pumped. I was hoping for a few wins but knew that it would be difficult. Our team lacks strike power and we have quite a few players that have never played soccer before (or had limited experience). For this reason we might win one or 2 games but no more (especially if we play some more difficult teams).

We were pumped. Stirling and his group had come in early in the morning (4am). Stirling was snoring and I found sleep difficult. He got angry at me when I mentioned it to home.

We go to the ground, ready for a good day.

Our first game was against Hiroshima. We lost 5 – 1. It was a good game but we lacked the skill and knowledge of the game unlike the Hiroshima team. I also think a lot of players gave up after we were 3 – 0 down. This was not good and it really pissed me off.

We had a rest and recuperated. We were all a bit down about the loss but managed to keep happy.

The 2nd game was against Okayama. We lost this game 3 -1. This game we never looked like winning. It was sad – E were never in it.

We had lunch and cheered on the girls team/ We were all looking forward to the last game of the day vs Shimane.

In the first minutes they scored a brilliant goal, leaving everyone standing and thinking – Oh fuck. They scored a few more goals. We competed with Shimane and the game was enjoyable. Unfortunately they scored a few flukey goals and we failed to take our opportunities. I think the final score was 5 – 2. Despite this I think we can give them a run for their money at the Chugoku cup.

After the games we headed back to the hotel and got changed for the onsen. Like last time the onsen was great. I had a massage and then a wee soak in the onsen. It was good times. Fortunately I wasn’t feeling as bad as last time. My legs weren’t cramping and I wasn’t in horrible shape.

My foot however was excruciating (it still is – 2 weeks later !).

After the onsen, we had dinner and hit the piss. We stayed in the hotel and drank for a bit – Playing some drinking games and had a good time catching up.

We then headed to the pub. Like last time it was a bit of a disappointment. Despite this I still had an ok time!!!

We headed home late and drunk.

Awajishima 2 - Friday

2006-06-02T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today we set out for Awaji. I was looking forward to it. In fact it was hard to believe how much I was looking forward to it. I like the soccer guys and girls and like to spend time with them. For this reason I really like soccer tournaments like Awaji.

We left Hagi at 3pm. I felt that this was a good time to leave as we wouldn’t get to Awaji too late.

The Hagi crew “And coolest car going to Awaji” consisted of Matt, Dan, Dave and myself - A combination of good looks, incredible wit and overall greatness.

We yarned the whole way. Its amazing how the conversation never waned.

We also played a few jokes and took the piss. Some cars were sent (by email) a hairy caterpillar, something that amused us for much time. When 4 boys get into a car together you never know what will happen.

The 7 hours passed quickly. Although the car ride was entertaining, it had been long and we were all in need of rest. We went to bed soon after arriving.

I went to sleep at about 11pm.

The verdict

2006-06-02T16:41:00.000+12:00

After much analysis I have decided that the ladies at the hostess bar are IN FACT ladies - Well the ones that we talk to anyway.

There were two ladies that could have possibly been men but I couldn't be sure as I saw them from afar.

Despite knowing that they are women, I don't think I'll ever return to the hostess bar. Quite frankly it is a sad place to be and a waste of money.

When is a woman not a woman?

2006-06-01T23:59:00.000+12:00

WHEN SHE'S A MAN !!!

I start the post with this as I believe it is an appropriate start given the events of the past few days.

Dan, Matt and Furusho Sensei (My supervisor) frequent a hostess bar called Amigos quite often. For those that don't know, in a hostess bar you are approached by woman who talk to you and are very flirtacious with you. The women at these bars are good looking and are at times very forward. They give you a lot of attention which is nice.

Last week I went to Amigos for the first time in a while. I looked at the girls and remembered a few from the last time I was there. The boys (more regulars than me) were greeted on a first name basis :-P. I thought the women looked hot and was glad of the eye candy. We stayed for an hour or so before leaving - Very happy from all the attention.

That Saturday (Last Saturday), I was in No Side bar and Amigos came up in the topic of conversation. I said that I had been there a few times. Shinji, the bartender, said "Yes, I know, Furusho told me". He then laughed and said "You know, Women at Amigos....NOT WOMEN". He then motioned at his penis....What? Are you kidding me? He then spoke to Yasue in Japanese. She said "Yeah they're not women. He said they're all men". I looked up shocked and said "ALL MEN, I DON'T BELIEVE YOU". Shinji then said "Maybe 50/50". He then turned to the other bar tender and said "Amigos". The other bar tender laughed and said "MEN, GEY, NOT WOMEN". I was shocked. He then spoke to Yasue in Japanese for a lengthy period of time. She said "Apparently it is common knowledge in Hagi that they are all men in Amigos. He says that's why Amigos is so cheap. He said that a lot of homosexuals hang out there"

Matt and I looked at each other gobsmacked and thought Shinji MUST be joking. After 15 minutes we realised that THERE WAS A GOOD CHANCE HE WAS TELLING THE TRUTH!

Matt and I reassured each other "They're women, They've got to be. We haven't been talking to men all this time". The reassurance wasn't helping. We nervously laughed at our possible mistake! While Matt and I were reassuring each other the bar tenders were in hysterical laughter. To me, it appeared to be the funniest incident of the year for them! This also confirmed my suspicions that they weren't lying.

After drinking at the pub for a bit longer we went to Dan and Rosie's and told Dan the news. He was as gobsmacked as we were.

The next Tuesday I was getting tax stuff sorted out with Furusho sensei. As we were walking I said "You know Shinji of No Side?". Furusho nodded and said "He's a good friend of mine"..."Well, he said that the girls working at Amigos are BOYS NOT GIRLS. Is this true?". Furusho said "I really hope not". I was a little concerned by his answer. The reason for my concern was that it wasn't a definite NO. It was a "hope" that they weren't. This was not making me feel any better. He then said "10 years ago, they were men working as women, you know, dressed as women. They would have sex with other men". I added "So it was a place for Homosexuals? A gay hang, out so to speak". He nodded and said "But I don't think it is now". WHAT? YOU DON'T THINK - THINK!!! - I want CERTAINTY!!! He then said he had been there once when it was for homosexuals but didn't like the experience. He then said " I really think they're not boys now".

Unfortunately, Furusho's answers were not conclusive or concrete enough for my liking. I will have to go back to Amigos with the mindset that they could be men. I will then have to analyse whether or not they are men or women.

To be honest they are pretty convincing girls if they are boys. THEN AGAIN SOME OF THE HOTTEST LOOKING WOMEN IN THE WORLD ARE ACTUALLY MEN. Those who have been to Thailand may know what I mean. I have been confused (TRICKED) on more than one occasion.

The Rubbish Incident

2006-06-01T23:58:00.000+12:00

Today I arrived at school. The kids on the bus were saying “PETO BOTTLE” and then mimicking the action for don’t throw. I was thinking “Well, I don’t throw PET bottles around on the ground, what are they talking about? And why are the saying it to me?”

I came to school, still a little baffled about what the kids were saying. I let it go though. I thought it was something that was lost in the translation. This quite often happens when I see my Shogakosei on the bus (I was at the Chugako today though).

I arrived at the Chugako and one of the teachers came up to me and started talking to me very sternly and loudly in Japanese. I was like “What the fuck are you talking about”. I looked at him with a confused look on my face. He then handed me a piece of paper that said “Don’t leave the trash on the bus”.

I was angry by the way I was approached. But this isn’t the only thing that gets to me

It actually brings to light many things that REALLY pissed me off.

1. Why did the Shogakosei know this? Why is it any of their business? Who told them? They shouldn’t know this and I wonder who told them. Are people laughing at me behind my back saying “Oh silly, rude, gaijin”.

2. It is NOT acceptable to come up and embarrass me in front of all the staff. And not only embarrass me but treat me like an idiot.

3. Why did the bus driver drive to the school to tell the teachers? Is it any of the teachers business?

4. I have been taking this bus every week (every 2 weeks) for a year and this is the first ‘incident’. Also, it was only ONE PET bottle (not a whole fuckin’ rubbish bag.

5. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. I MADE A FUCKING MISTAKE. CAN I NOT MAKE A MISTAKE?

6. I question that if I was nihinjin whether the same action would have been taken. (To be honest I don't think it would have!!!)

I’ll repeat again - IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. I hardly throw rubbish over my head and say “Yay, Let's litter and make the bus a dump”. It wasn’t done on purpose. In saying this, the way I was approached was as if I had done it with a malicious intent – This is not the case and it angers me that this is how it was brought to me.

The one thing that makes me feel better is that the bus driver is a miserable fucker and his life is much worse than mine. :-P HAHAHAHA

WHO WOULD WIN? - An Aliigator or a Black Bear

2006-05-31T23:59:00.000+12:00

I was watching the Discovery channel today and came accross a program that questioned what would happen if two 'great' animals fought. I think the program is called "When titans collide". It looks at fights that could occur in the wild.

Today they questioned who would win if an alligator fought a black bear. They analysed bite strength, fight tactics and animal physiology. It was a great program. They then had a computer simulated match between the 'titans'.

The winner of the Alligator vs Black Bear match was...
THE BLACK BEAR - Although injured in the battle. (They would meet in th Florida marshland)

Last week they fought an Anaconda with a Leopard

The winner of the Anaconda vs Leopard match was...
THE ANACONDA - Convincingly. (They would fight in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil)

Where is my blue book?

2006-05-30T23:59:00.000+12:00

I never received it.
My supervisor doesn't have it.
My BOE claims to have never seen it.

Where is this little blue book?

I'm meeting with my supervisor tomorrow to apply for another one. Lucky it only takes a month to get another one.

I hope there are no problems - I want my pension fund back!!!!!

POOED ON

2006-05-29T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I arrived at my school 2 hours too early. I was a little aggravated by this and decided to go to the BOE to get some stuff sorted out. My trip to the BOE took shorter than expected and I decided to go for a bike ride.

Half way through my bike ride I looked down and saw something on the front of my shirt. What is this? It was brown. I thought it might be a food substance of somesort. I put my fingers on it and smelt it - EUW - It was SHIT - It was BIRD SHIT. I was glad I hadn't put it directly in my mouth!!!

I had forgotten that bird shit isn't white initially. It is brown when it is first dropped and once it has been in the sun for a while it turns white. I didn't think of this (before I smelt it) and assumed that, as it wasn't white, it wasn't bird shit.

After smelling it I knew the truth!

I decide to bike home and change my shirt.

I hate having poo on my shirt!

Soccer

2006-05-28T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today we played soccer against a team from Misumi. It was a good game. We lost 5 -4. I enjoyed playing in this game. I really think I'm getting better at soccer. I think I might actually be an asset in Awaji rather than a liability as I was last time!!!

We practised for an hour or two after the game. It was good to get some practise in. I was able to refine some skills that needed some work.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK!!!

THE GUCH IS GUNA KICK SOME ASS IN AWAJI

Eikaiwa

2006-05-27T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today, I woke up in a love Hotel in Tokuyama. I really like going to love hotels. They are far better than any hotel room. They are big, have nice beds, have nice baths and, best of all, porn on all the TV channels.

We got out by 11am. I had Indian for breakfast. Whenever I'm in Tokuyama I have Indian for breakfast.

Yasue and I headed to the classroom. I had decided that I was going to do a self introduction type lesson. I have done this lesson so often that it is easy to do and VERY effective.

At around 1, people entered the classroom. There were more people this time than last time. There were also alot of children. It will be a very difficult class - The students ages ranged from 2 - 65. I decided to do a very basic introduction. My name is ______, I come from ______, I like_______ and I dislike _______. I got the students to introduce themselves. I then got people to guess the countries that I have lived in. They usually get all of them except India. I did a gesture game where I did "western gestures". This game was well recieved. By this stage the kids were getting restless so we played head, shoulders, knees and toes. I have done this song abouut 150 times this year so I have become a pro at it. We finished up with some oral situations. These were well received and enjoyed.

Overall the class went well. I think the students really enjoyed it.

We headed out of the class quickly. I wanted to catch the S14 final at 'No Side' pub in Hagi.

I managed to catch the second half of the S14 final. We couldn't see much as the ground had so much fog. The game ended with the Crusaders being victorious over the Hurricanes. I wanted the Hurricanes to win!

After this we head to Dan and Rosies for a few drinks. The night ended in the bucket place.

Gradually getting better

2006-05-25T23:59:00.000+12:00

Slowly but surely I'm gradually getting better!!! :-P (YAY)

SICK

2006-05-21T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I was really sick - Like sicker than I've ever been in Japan. Unfortunately, I had promised Mie and Shinji that I would play rugby.

It was hot and uncomfortable. I was sick but still managed to play a good game. I scored a few tries and set up a couple, too. By the end of the game I was exhausted.

IT WAS NOT ENJOYABLE AT ALL!

I was asked to go drinking but declined the offer. I was feeling too sick.

When will summer come?

2006-05-19T11:59:00.000+12:00

The weather outside is frightful.

Apparently there is a typhoon coming this weekend. I don't know if a typhoon can survive in weather so cold. I think the Japanese use the term 'typhoon' synonymously with 'storm'. Either way the weather will be shitty this weekend. I hope summer comes soon. Im sick of 'winter like' conditions. There have only been 2 days this year that I would consider 'summer like'.

COME ON SUMMER. Hurry the fuck up. I WANT TO GO TO THE BEACH :-).

I'm over this

2006-05-18T11:22:00.000+12:00

I’m bored.
My motivation is close to zero.
I’m sick of speaking broken English.
Not a lot makes me happy at the moment.
I do nothing at my job.

I AM OVER JAPAN.

I GUESS ONLY 2 MONTHS TO GO!

HAWAII

2006-05-16T23:59:00.000+12:00

The other day I was talking to the new ‘hot teacher’ and missed the bus. I was angry by this silliness. Unfortunately, the bus comes every hour and a half so I had a long wait.

Like I always do when I have a long wait, I went for a walk around the school. On my travels I bumped into this old guy – Maybe in his early 80’s (although it’s hard to tell in Japan).

We got talking. He was quite nice and I enjoyed talking to him. After about half an hour, I asked him (in Japanese) “Have you ever been overseas”. He said “Yes, once”. I replied “Oh great, where have you been?” He said “Hawaii”

I then said “Wow, Hawaii is a beautiful place. Did you go to the beach and have a good time?”

He looked at me with a weird look and said “Not good time” (In English). He then said pa pa pa pa pow and made a plane visual with his hands. He then said “Pearl Harbour”.

WOW – I was taken back.

After talking to him for a while longer I found he had been a pilot in the Pearl harbour attack in WW2. It was kind of surreal to talk to someone who was actually there. You here a lot of stories and see movies about it but to actually speak to someone who was there – My goodness.

After talking about this, the conversation waned. It was a struggle to talk about things (by both parties, I think). I guess after telling me this, there is not a lot of things that could be that interesting.

To be honest, I’m still a little gob – smacked by the experience. I guess it’s a good story!

The ugliest JTE ever

2006-05-15T23:59:00.000+12:00

I believe that I have the ugliest looking JTE ever. It’s so shallow of me to say it but she is that ugly that it deserves a blog entry. Nothing about this woman is attractive.

Her teeth, her figure and her face are absolutely appalling (not to mention the bad breath). She doesn’t have a good personality too which is why I feel I can write a blog entry about her.

I dread my days with her at the thought that I will have to look at her (and smell her breath).

What can I do?

I know I am a bad person for writing such a blog entry. People will say I’m incredibly shallow and I guess I am. But those that know me, know me - so I don’t give a fuck!

FA CUP FINAL

2006-05-13T23:59:00.000+12:00

We woke up at Dave’s. I was hung over and feeling like arse. We pissed around at Dave’s for the morning and most of the afternoon – This was frustrating – I hate wasting time like this.

After Dave’s a group fo us headed to an onsen near Nagato. It was nice.

We then bought A FUCK LOAD of meat and went to Crystals for a BBQ. She has a cool wooden house on the sea. I wish I lived where she did! We chilled there for 3 hours before Tom and some other guy (I forget his name) decided they were going back to Takibe to watch the FA cup final. This sounded like a good idea so we shifted the party there.

We watched the final. WEST HAM VS LIVERPOOL (I think). West Ham was in a commanding position all game and looked for certain to win the game when in the 90th minute some guy equalized. It went into extra time. No goals were scored in extra time.

It then went to a penalty shoot out that Liverpool won.

I was tired and kept on falling asleep during the match. Although it was close and ranked the greatest EVER FA cup final I couldn’t keep awake. I don’t know why I was so tired. I think it’s a combination of things.

I ended up getting a crappy sleep on the floor..

Dave's party

2006-05-12T23:59:00.000+12:00

Dave had a party. It was cool. There were about 40 people there. I got drunk and talked to a lot of people. The theme was Japanese dress.

Oh...AND "WEINSTEIN　SIGNED　MINE"

I feel so privilidged　:－P

Good times were had by all！

Koma is my favorite school

2006-05-12T23:58:00.000+12:00

At a grand total of 7 students this is my favorite school. The fact that it can be my favorite school even though I have to catch a 6.50am bus to get there says something.

The kids are so cool and there is a really good atmosphere. The JTE there is enthusiastic and is good at English.

Good students, a good JTE and small classes. This is all that is required for a fun and easy working atmosphere.

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

2006-05-08T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today I watched Brokeback Mountain. Actually what I should say is today I finished Brokeback Mountain. I watched the first half on the flight back from the Philippines. I must say I didn’t like the start but thought the end was pretty good. I was actually sad and touched by the movie. I felt sorry for the character played by Heath Ledger.

NEWAYS – THIS IS NOT MY POINT.

HERE IS MY POINT

I HATE THIS MOVIE

WHY?

After this movie no longer can 2 friends go fishing without suspicion arising. I have been on fishing trips with my friends on many occasions – Sometimes over night fishing trips. We caught fish, sipped whisky and had a good yarn. Now, if my gf ever lets me go fishing with my buddy (and I say IF), there will always be the suspicion from onlookers (and maybe my gf) that “those 2 fellas might be having a ‘Brokeback moment’”. It has destroyed the ‘traditional’ male bonding trip. I have a feeling that I can no longer go fishing without someone sniggering a homosexual or Brokeback comment….

AND LOW AND BEHOLD

IF WE DON’T COME BACK WITH FISH!!!!

CURSE YOU BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

Hiroshima

2006-05-07T23:59:00.000+12:00

Last night Matt, Kat and I went to Hiroshima. It was a fun night. We got pissed at Kats, had some really good curry and caught the train to Hiroshima.

We went to an Irish bar and New York New York. We tried looking for another pub but couldn’t find the one we were looking for. As it was a shitty night (rainy) and we were tired from golden week we decided to get a love hotel.

We managed to get 3 into the hotel with some crafty work on Matts behalf.

It was a good night and I had a good sleep.

LATE NIGHT DRINKING CALL

2006-05-06T23:59:00.000+12:00

Last night I was getting ready for bed. It was just before midnight. My phone rang. I was a little surprised by this. I don’t often get phone calls at midnight on a Friday night. I was even more surprised as most of my friends were away for Golden Week. I picked up the phone. This is what I heard

“Peter, Lets drinking”

I knew immediately it was Mie, my rugby coach. I said “I can’t, I want to sleep”. He said

“No sleep, Lets drinking”

I really didn’t want to go out. I had just come back from the Philippines and was in need of some serious rest. Also, I was going to go to Hiroshima for Saturday night and didn’t want to be tired or hung over for that. I was about to say “NO” definitely when I heard noise over the phone and outside my apartment.

Mie had parked at the Hokka Hokka Tei opposite my apartment block. He and 5 others were shouting Japanese and “Lets drinking” at my apartment block. When I emerged from my house, they cheered. I said to Mie “I’ll get changed and will be with you in 5 minutes”

Mie had wanted me to come out as he was initiating the new rugby team members. Our goal was to get the new members completely shit faced. He thought I’d be pretty good at helping him get them legless.

I must say it was nice to 1) Finally be able to get Japanese people pissed (they are pretty good at doing this to me) 2) Be a senior member of the team and be senior enough to get the young players drunk (I have always been the young player :-P)

We went to No Side bar where we had a few drinks. We then headed to a couple of snack bars and a hostess bar. Not bad for a nights work. I actually had a really good time and was glad that he called (in the end). I knew that I would be very tired in Hiroshima though. Oh well, I guess that is life.

Lost

2006-05-05T18:02:00.000+12:00

Today, after professing to Yasue that I was a man with great directional sense, I got lost…And what’s worse, I got lost in Hagi.

Thankfully it was a sunny day and a nice (long:-P) walk.

Arriving in Japan

2006-05-04T23:59:00.000+12:00

I got up early for the airport. I was in a haze. I managed to board the plane in this haze. I actually have no recollection boarding the plane.

I watched half of ‘Brokeback Mountain’ on the way back to Japan. I couldn’t believe that they showed boobs and two men fucking on the plane. I felt that this was a little inappropriate. Anyways I watched it anyway. We had individual screens so I guess it’s not as bad as it would be if it was on a big screen. I didn’t really like the first half of Brokeback Mountain. I felt the first sex scene was forced and not in the right place in the movie (especially if the director is trying to portray a love story).

I landed in Japan and was REALLY depressed. I didn’t want to be here. I hated it. Immediately the reasons I hated Japan came back. I guess only 3 months to go.

At baggage claim I rang Yasue. I told her I was really depressed and didn’t want to be in Japan. She understood and said that she would come to Hagi and visit me. This would make me feel better I think.

I left the airport at 11pm. I got back to Hagi at 7.30pm. With some bad connections it took 8 hours to get back to Hagi – HOW GAY!

I met Yasue just after I arrived. I showed her the pictures of my holiday. We relaxed and caught up. It was REALLY nice to see her!

Leaving the Philippines - HOW DEPRESSING

2006-05-03T23:59:00.000+12:00

Today it was time to leave. I WAS SO SAD TO LEAVE…Like more sad than I’ve ever been. I DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE. I was having such a good time with Tim and Dasha.

MAN THIS SUCKS!!!

I don’t know if it was the thought of coming back to Japan that was making me so depressed or the thought of leaving 2 good friends (and a wonderful time) in the Philippines – Probably a bit of both I think.

I didn’t want to go back to Japan. This lack of want to come back to Japan made me realize I definitely did the right thing by NOT resigning my contract.

I woke up at 9am and quickly got ready to leave. I thanked Dasha for the great time. I really had such a great time in the Philippines.

People say that even after a good holiday you want to go home. I’ll say this - After a great holiday – YOU DON’T EVER WANT TO GO HOME.

TO BE HONEST IT WAS PROBABLY THE BEST HOLIDAY I’VE EVER BEEN ON!

I went to the street and said my goodbyes to Dasha and Sasha. There were no tears. I must say I was upset. I think I was upset because I felt that the Philippines was more home than Japan. It’s funny how good friendships will always be the same no matter how long you are away. It felt like no time had passed with Tim and Dasha. I think this is the sign of true friendship. I guess I was sad to leave Dasha and Tim because they are such great people. Also, when I am around them I am a better person.

With the trip was also the memories that came back to me from when I was in India. This was the best time in my life and I met the best people I’ve ever met there. To bring back these memories, even five years after leaving, was difficult. I reminisced and kept thinking about the India times. I thought about my friends there and how I had lost contact with all but 3 or 4. I would love to go back there. I just can’t see it anytime soon

The taxi took no time to the airport. I got in the lines. I remembered when I arrived how inefficient the airport was. This inefficiency stemmed to the departures area It took me about 1 hour to get through the baggage checks.

I had a bite to eat and chilled at the departure gate. Manila airport really doesn’t have much to offer.

At 12.40 I boarded the plane. We didn’t have the individual videos as we had had when we came. I decide to sleep. I hadn’t slept a lot the whole trip.

I woke up as we were landing in Taipei. I was first out if the plane but had to wait for my bags at baggage claim.

I caught the bus to the centre of Taipei, booked my room and headed to the gym. It was expensive but I needed a workout – I had become fat over the trip. After the gym, I ate dinner and listened to rock music at “The Velvet Underground”. I was there for 2 hours before going back to the hostel.

I got an early night. I had to catch the early bus to the airport in the morning.

Last day in the Philippines

2006-05-02T18:00:00.000+12:00

Well, it’s my last full day in the Philippines. I’m so sad. I’m having such a good time with Tim, Dasha and the kids.

I DON’T WANT TO LEAVE

I woke up latish and Dasha, Kita and I headed to the markets. I was looking for presents for people. I found that the markets were a little more expensive than I had expected. Dasha and I talked. Over the whole trip I really liked talking to Dasha. She’s really cool. I feel that I should have gotten to know her better at MUWCI because I found her very fun and interesting – I guess we all make the right decisions in hindsight!!!!

We chilled and walked around. I knew it was my last day and was moping about a bit. I’m the worst person to go shopping with. I’m glad Dasha could put up with me.

We met one of Dasha’s friends. He was a nice guy. My god though – THIS MAN COULD TALK. He was funny and interesting though so it wasn’t a problem.

We headed back to the house at 4.30pm. Tim was home when we arrived. We decided to head down to the park for another game of soccer/golf. I lost again – SHIT this is becoming a habit. I wish I was there for longer so I could whoop his ass.

Tim and I had a few beers before dinner and got in a big deep and meaningful. Dasha had gone somewhere. When she got back Tim and I were in the middle of the conversation. We stopped it and went to Indian for dinner. It was really nice. I love Indian. We got into a conversation about ugly people and why they are still in the population through a natural selection perspective. It was interesting.

After dinner Dasha and the kids headed home while Tim and I stayed out and a had a few more beers (and carried on the conversation we started before dinner.)

We got back at midnight. It was a good night and a good day.

Last day on the island

2006-05-01T23:59:00.000+12:00

I had gotten to sleep really late last night and needed some serious sleep. We got ready to go. We had breakfast, got all the stuff ready and went back to Batangas.

I managed to sleep on the boat ride back - YAY.

We chilled for a while and took went back to Manila. The ride took 3 hours. It was a lot shorter than it could have been. We thought the traffic was going to be really heavy due to the end of the long weekend.

We headed back to the house and chilled for a bit.

After chilling Tim and I played soccer/golf, a game we made up in India. We went to the local park. This probably wasn't the best place to be playing but was the only place we could think of. It was good to play. I hadn't played this for so long and missed the friendly competition and converstaiuon with Tim. The game went well. Unfortunately I gave up a huge lead and ended up losing by one hole. BUGGER - I hate losing to Tim.

We had pizza for dinner and played a 6 hour game of Risk. Tim won - THAT BASTERD!

PAINTBALL

2006-04-30T23:59:00.000+12:00

Dasha woke me up at 10.30am. I felt really sick. I had drunken far too much the night before. I remember talking to a lot of people but have no recollection what I said. I went down for breakfast and saw many smiles. OH NO – What was a saying? What was I talking about? I have a huge tendency to talk about dumb shit when I’m pissed. I feel sorry for those that have to listen to my dribble. I have a brilliant tendency to NOT allow people to leave the conversation when I get on a role.

I remembered talking to a few people. I went up to them and apologized. Apparently I was being hilarious. They thought that I was really funny and said I was a huge source of entertainment. I was glad not to be a nuisance. As it happens I had talked to 4 – 5 people at length.

I had talked to a Russian girl (from Kazakhstan) for a long time and when I went to the beach to see Dasha they were talking. Apparently the girl thought I was a really nice guy – How? I will never know. I had told her the previous night that Dasha was Belarusian and could speak Russian. Unfortunately, I remembered the Russian term FUCK YOU SNA. I think it’s actually pronounced FUKUSNA. Apparently in my pissed state I kept saying this (Fuck you sna) to the Russian girl. I think I thought I was incredibly amusing. As I thought that I was funny and I was SO NOT FUNNY I amused people. We tried for half an hour to guess what I was trying to say

For those that read this FUKUSNA apparently means tasty in Russian.

I had breakfast and prepared for paintball. I had a raging hang over. It gradually faded over breakfast. I hoped I wouldn’t have to do too much running. I borrowed Tim’s jeans for the paintball as I had no dirty pants of my own.

Eight of us guys set off for paintball. The guys mused of their previous paintball experiences. This was my first time so I was a little apprehensive hearing their stories. I didn’t know how much the paintball would hurt when it hit me. They seemed to have great experiences from paintball. I was looking forward to it. As the destination drew near we all put on our game faces and prepared for battle.

We pulled up the hotel that we had booked the paintball with and were greeted by a man who appeared nuts. He was absolutely hilarious. I would describe as ‘a crazy Justin’. He was the kind of guy I could see biting off someone’s ear in a fight and as his opponent is bleeding to death going back for the nose….On a side note, I saw a photo of this guy in the toilet yielding a machine gun with a caption “I LOVE THIS FUCKIN PLACE”. It’s scary to think that a guy as nuts as this can acquire a machine gun.

We got on the boat.. Apparently we were going to play paintball on a deserted island. I was looking forward to it.

When we gotto the island there were people there and it wasn’t deserted. There appeared to be families on the beach. We would have to be careful not to hit them.

We got our cammo gear, put on our dirty clothes and were ready for paintball. We got our guns. Some were really powerful, others were not. Thankfully I got a really powerful gun. I had a few practice shots and was ready to go. We also had a mask that we had to put on. I cant imagine that getting the paint in your eyes would be all that good.

We had 2 chilly bins full of beer and a lot of kebabs and sausages for the BBQ. We decided on the teams. It was going to be the short guys vs. the tall guys. I was put in the short guys team. There wasn’t much point protesting – The tall guys were over 6 feet. The tall guys set out first and we ha dto go in after 5 minutes. We had to find the flag and return oit to home. Tim and I took the left flank and the other guys took the right.

Tim and I had not been told where the paintball ground was. I assumed we were playing paintball o nteh whole island. We scaled a huge hill and were going to take the guys from behind. Tim said that it would be a good war tactic to get up and high and descend on our opponents. I was really hot. It was about 38 degrees. With the Cammo gear, mask and jeans, it felt like about 09 degrees. Not only was it hot but it was also bloody humid. I was losing fluids quickly and knew that heat stroke might be a problem. I ended up losing Tim in the trees and decide to head off by myself. I walked forever through dense bush. I was so hot. I then came to a clearing where there was controlled burnings (of the land) going on. I felt that this was an inappropriate place to be playing paintball. I walked for another 500 meters to 1km where I saw a dope patch. Yes, that’s right there was marijuana being grown on the island. I decide to leave it alone as back home marijuana plots are protected with traps etc. I kept walking. The more I walked, the more sweat I lost and the more I thought how ridiculous the paintball was. Man this was for army guys, not for the run of the mill person playing the odd game. I managed to reach the sea ( I think on the other side) and decided that this REALLY SUCKED and that I should go back to base. I walked back. The sun was hotter than ever. I was so hot. About half way back I felt really sick. I knew that I was suffering form heat stroke. I took a rest under shade. Form then on every 15 meters I would take a rest. My hearty was racing. I then started vomiting everywhere. I vomited until there was no food left in my stomach. I felt close to death and knew that if I didn’t get back to the camp quickly that I could be in real trouble. I decide to suck it up and do my best to get back. It took about half an hour to get back. I thought that playing paintball on such a big island was stupid as the paint of paintball was firing shots, not looking for people.

When I got back, all the guys were there. They looked at me and asked “where the fuck were you?” I said on the other side of the island trying to find you guys. They started pissing themselves. I was informed that the paintball ground was an area about 200 meters by 200metres, NOT THE WHOLE ISLAND AS I HAD THOUGHT. Man, I’m such a dick.

I didn’t feel at fault. I thought it was more than possible to make such an error. The others didn’t think it was possible. Tim and I were laughed at for a while. Tim actually mangeed to get the flag. He had unfortunately been caught up in vines and couldn’t free himself. Apparently after he got the flag he got caught up in the vines and was there for 40 minutes trying to free himself (hahahaha) very funny.

After my little ordeal I didn’t feel up to anything. I didn’t even want to play paintball anymore. It was the worst I have felt in 6 years (Back to the time I got heatstroke in India). After a half an hour break, some kebabs and a liter of Fanta I was feeling up to playing again. We played in the same teams. As I was a little tired I decided to sacrifice myself to get a few of the other team out.

I decided that I would hide behind a tree, wait for the others to get in front of me and then attack. I did this and managed to kill one of them (3 hits was a kill) hit one twice and hit the other once. This happened before I sustained 3 shots. I was running around the bushes and was compared to a jumping Gazelle. Apparenly the others were laughing so hard at my antics they were unable to fire shots.

I went back to base, drank beer, ate kebabs and talked to Trevor about the previous night (He had been one of the three that went to white beach). The others came back about 20 minutes later. Our team had won. Tim had panted himself up a tree and managed to shoot all of them. They had no knowledge of where he was – Climbing trees is not commonly done.

We played 2 more games of paintball. This was intermingled with drinking beer and eating.

In the last game a few of the bullets went astray and may have come close to a family on the beach. It was quite funny. A severely obese Filipino man in speedos came out and started abusing us. I guess we were in the wrong but the urge to shoot him was very high :-). Had I been with my mates back home I probably would have.

At the end of the day we decided to have a show down. We would start back to back, take 10 paces, turn around and try to shoot each other. The eight of us drew numbers. I drew 7. It was going to be a knock out tournament format. The first 2 went up. Bang, bang. After 2 shots one person was out. It was my turn. I went back to back, took 10 steps turned around. Before I could fire a shot I was hit (first shot) in the shoulder – Bugger, I was out. The knock out tournament continued. The last match was Tim vs Alex ( I think that was his name). We decided that we shot whoever won with a barrage of paintballs. Alex won. As he empathically raised his hands we shot all shot him – Point blank. I think he got hit about 20 times. He scampered away and tried to hide. We continued shooting. I used up 40 bullets shooting him. I think I hit him about 10 times (HEHEEHE). When we got back to base he showed off his bruises – We got him good.

After this little battle the beer ran out so we decided to head back to the mainland. Overall a great day paint balling. Once on the mainland we decided to take a boat back to our beach. We were told it was going to take half an hour. As in most third world countries, things run on Stretchable Time. It took us an hour to get to the neighboring bay. As we wanted to get home that night we stopped there and took a jeep back the rest of the way.

When we got back Dasha was angry at Tim. I’m not too sure why. She decided not to have dinner with us. Dinner was nice. We drank wine and beer. I had pizza and I think Tim had pasta. I think I had pizza everyday I was in the Philippines. HMMMM – I’m a fatty.

After dinner we sat on the beach, drank more, smoked a bit of weed and chilled. It was nice and relaxing. After an hour Tim and I got the urge to sing. We sung some horrible songs. They were performed horribly – God forbid anyone who had to listen to us. Tim sand ‘Iris’ – The song I mock him for singing. He sang a shocking rendition of it in college. I had to sing Edelweiss – Unfortunately I also had a shocker when I sang this in college. We sang about 10 songs.

Tim then headed to bed. He was tired before we came to the beach and no doubt would have become more tired over the weekend. Although Tim went to bed I continued to chill on the beach. There was a group of embassy workers (from many different embassies) at our lodge. I hung out and sang with them for 3 hours. When they turned off the Karaoke machine I sat on a chair and yarned to a few of them. We yarned for longer than I thought. I didn’t get to bed till 5am.

Ready for battle

2006-04-30T23:58:00.000+12:00

The Shorty's

Tim and I

More Puerto Galera

2006-04-29T23:59:00.000+12:00

I woke up early and had a big breakfast. Oh man, this place is awesome. We lounged around for the morning. We went swimming, played rugby with a coconut and played with the kids. We also moved rooms. It was a cool relaxed morning.

In the afternoon we went to a development project. It was run by a Danish guy. It was pretty cool. It was for street kids in the Philippines. The kids would come to this development and rehabilitate. They were kids that had had TB, lost families and lead a bad life. The place would give the kids another hope, allow then to channel their talents and do something else than be street kids. Maybe allow then to get a job opposed to working and living on the streets. Tim discussed with the project manager about the possibility of his school kids helping out at the project.

We were at the project all afternoon. At 5pm we headed up to the golf course on a mountain over looking Puerto Galera. It had a spectacular view. As the sun went down we chatted and sipped beer. It was perfect and like paradise.

After 2 hours we headed back to our resort for dinner. This time I sat in the jeep rather than on top of it (on the way up to the resort Alex and I sat on the roof of the jeep).

We had dinner. Tim and I drank a bottle of wine. Dasha looked after the kids. I felt sorry for her. Tim and I were having a good time and she was stuck with the kids. I guess that's life but I felt guilty that I was having such a nice, relaxed time.

Tim and I sucked back the wine and a few more beers. I was pretty toasted but keen for a big night. A group was heading to white beach. I decided to tag along. Tim stayed back at the resort with Dasha and his kids.

From there I don't remember much of the night. I can remember drinking about 15 shots of a milo and rum mix but that is all.

I went to sleep at about 4am.

The day in pictures

2006-04-29T23:58:00.000+12:00

At the development project

From the golf course overlooking Puerto Galera

Tim throwing Sasha

In the jeep on the way home

Trying to be a photographer

2006-04-29T23:57:00.000+12:00

A San Miguel light in the sunset.

A wall

A nice sunset

Some funny looking flowers

Even more pictures

2006-04-29T23:56:00.001+12:00

Playing throws with Tim

At the development

Again - At the development. I got bored.

Wine at dinner - STARTING TO GET PISSED!

Puerto Galera on Mindoro

2006-04-28T23:59:00.000+12:00

I woke up at 9am, a near miracle since there were screaming kids. Dasha was amazed that I could sleep through such noise. I was really tired and hadn't had a good sleep in a couple of nights so for me it was easy.

I got up to go for pee and immediately the kids were in the lounge. Hehe so much for any more of a sleep in. Dasha and I decided to go to the shops to have a look around. Man - THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. There were so many malls and so many shops. Not only were there a lot of shops but there were a lot of shops that were cool.

They also had a lot of 'American' food and drinks. It was just like being in paradise - It was also bloody cheap. I couldn't believe it. I knew I would eat heaps here - I knew I would gain a lot of weight. I didn't care - YUMMY American food!!!

We chilled around the shops until 2pm. We caught a taxi to Tim's school. Once he had finished classes we headed to Batangas. This is where we were getting the boat to Puerto Gallera, Mindoro island.

We met the others that were going to the resort with us. They were all teachers from Tims school. There was one family man (other than Tim). The rest were piss heads - Youngish teachers that wanted to get drunk. It looked like a good bunch and I was looking forward to the weekend.

We caught the boat there.It was a really beautiful trip. We all had a few drinks. It really peaceful and relaxed. I knew it was going to be a good weekend.

It was dark and we pulled up to the beach. The resort was small but looked like a good place to relax. Tim, Dasha the kids and I were sharing a room. It was going to be tough with the five of us. I had a bed for myself while Tim Dasha and the girls slept together. I felt bad that I had one bed and all of the others had to sleep on the other bed BUT that's life.

We (the boys) stayed up and played poker. It was really cool. We had proper poker chips and everything. It was the first time that I had played real poker. I ended up putting in and losing 500 pesos. They played a couple more games after the one I played. I decided not to play. These guys had obviously played a lot before and I'd rather not lose all my money. Tim came second in one of the games. I found that a lot of the games became a battle of 'who has the biggest balls'. Bets would get bigger and bigger. I didn't really know how the game went and just lost lots of money.

After the poker game I talked with Tim and Alex for a while. At about 2am we headed to bed.

A beautiful sunset

2006-04-28T23:58:00.000+12:00

Very beautiful and relaxing

Arriving in Manila

2006-04-27T23:59:00.000+12:00

I woke up at 4.30am to catch the early bus to the ariport. It was really early and I was really tired. I hadn't slept much last night. I slept on the bus to the airport. I got my bags, checked in went through customs and slept at the departure gate. When I woke up it was the last boarding call for my flight. I got on the plane and fell asleep.

When I awoke we were decending for Manila.

I was excited to be decending for Manila. I was going to see Tim and Dasha for the first time in 5 years. I was excited. Tim, although my teacher was one of my best friends in India. We used to talk shit, play sports and have a good time. I hoped that things wouldn't have changed in 5 years. Dasha is Tims wife and was in 3 of my classes. In college I always liked talking to her and she was very nice. I wondered how things would have changed since India. Dasha and Tim have 2 little daughters. Ons is 6 months, the other is 2 and a half. What would their children look like? Would they look like Tim and Dasha? Would they have similar personalities to Tim and Dasha?

Many things were going through my head. I was thinking so much about how things were going to be. As I had never been to Manila, I didn't know what to expect. Would it be like India? Would it be third world like?

I was unsure but knew my questions would be answered soon enough.

I got out of the airport and went through customs. Customs was an absolute debacle. It was painfully slow and probably one of the most inefficient airports I have ever been to. I got through the inspections, entered the arrivals section, then the post arrival section, then the arrivals extension part. It was all a little much and highly unecessary. I then tried to look for a taxi. They were all far too expensive. I tried to look for a cheaper one. They cost 5 times what they should. After searching for an hour, I finally got a cheap taxi. It wasn't as cheap as it could have been but pretty cheap at 200 Pesos.

I showed him the address and he said he knew where it was. The streets were chaos. It was ridiculous. Despite there being road markings they weren't observed. Everything was chaotic. It reminded me of India only not as '3rd world'. The taxi driver got lost and it took an hour to get to Tim and Dashas place.

Tim and Dasha place was in a really nice area. I could see that it was definitely different from the places I had seen on the taxi ride. I got dropped off in front of the apartment. I walked up to see Dasha and Sasha at the the door. WOW, seeing Dasha brought back so many memories. The 'India years' were the the best years in my life. It brought back many of the memories. Sasha had the blondest hair and the bluest eys I think I had ever seen. I couldnt believe that Tim and Dasha had created her. It was amazing to see her face. I was in awe. Sasha didn't warm to me. She was really scared and shy around me.

We went up to the apartment where I saw Kita, Tim and Dasha's younger daughter. She was so little. She also had the really blue eyes. Kita warmed to be right from the start. She would smile at me all the time and reacted well when I sang to her.

I had arrived late and only had a few minutes to change before going to Tims school. We caught a taxi there. TIms school was really flash. I liked it a lot. I met Tim in his classroom. we did the customary hug. To be honest the first couple of hours were alittle bit uncomfortable. I guess we were sussing each other out. As it had been so long since we had seen each other I think we were seeing if things were the same and wondered how much had changed in our friendship.

After talking and looking around the school, I realised that Tim was pretty much the same person I had left at MUWCI. The school he was at was huge and much better than any school in Japan.

Tim does work in the local slum areas so we headed to the project that he had undertaken. He (with the hlep of the students and a few staff) had turned a run down slum into a really nice place. It wasn't 100% done but definitely looked like a nice place to live. Today, we were planning to play with the slum kids and make balloons for them. I was excite dto see Tims project. When I was in India I used to help out with a lot of these projects but since India have stopped all involvement in voluntary work. It made me realise how selfish I had become. We were at the slum for a few hours. I took a lot of photos.

When we returned to school we went for dinner. Tim and I had a couple of beers. It was a nice, but pricy, Italian restaurant. The meal was good. The kids were a bit restless though. After dinner we headed home. Tim and I headed to a games parlour where we had a 7 matach series of air hockey. After being 3 - 0 up in the series, I gave in and let Tim win. You see Tim is an old man. I wanted him to feel like he had achieved something :-). Actually, to be honest I lost fair and square BUT there is no way I'd tell Tim that. He's one of the most competitive people I know - Even moreso than me!

We went back to his apartment late and watched TV before sleeping.