Like someone waking you from a deep sleep, their voice just beginning to pull you from an icy nightmare, so Spring is whispering in my ear...
It isn't here yet, but I can hear it in the occasional warm breeze, the gathering strength of the sun, the ever increasing daylight, the birth of blossoms on trees. How long have I been asleep...?
As I am pulled from my wintery slumber, my calendar is beginning to fill up again. This weekend, my friend Yumi from Tokyo came to visit. She is my kindred spirit and I found it difficult to come home after work to an empty apartment...
Next weekend, Dawn and I will be partaking in a Mochi making party (mochi being a thin, sticky rice cake) at the International Center. Then the next weekend, I'm off to Kyoto to attend the traditional Japanese wedding of my dear friend Yuki! And a few weeks later...it's off to...Korea! Another good friend of mine, Mika, and I have planned a 4 day excursion in Seoul. And of course, the following month...my Mother is coming!!
But...like Spring, the adventures have yet to come, and so I only have one new thing to report. After much consideration, I have extended my contract in Japan for one month if for no other reason than to finish up at the same time as Dawn. However, it is my sincere hope that with some avid saving, I will be able to attend a 3 month intensive Japanese language program in Tokyo. I have come all the way to Japan to spend my days speaking...English. I'd like to walk away feeling like I've improved my Japanese just a little. The programs are varied and not overly expensive. However, housing in Japan is another problem. So if anyone knows of a cheap place to stay in Tokyo just...um...let me know.
Happy Valentine's Day... <3
3 comments:
happy valentine's day!
when are you planning on doing the Japanese course? I was thinking of doing one, too, but probably not until after I'm back in the states for more than six months, so I can get my pension money, too...
What exciting plans you have! Everything you have planned sounds wonderful to me. Please take care of yourself so you stay well and can enjoy these wonderful things.
ooooxxxx Gramma
Arden! I just realized you had this blog, and today I read every entry (it's been a slow day at work). Anyway, it was really fun getting a peek into your experience in Japan. I've always wanted to visit Japan, and seeing the beautiful pictures of it just make me want to visit it all the more.
Also, this is months late, but thanks for the congratulations you left in Japanese in regards to my engagement.
I hope you continue to have a great time in Japan, and I look forward to hearing some stories when you get back!
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