Japan Hai!

For some reason or another, I'm on a Japan high. Most of my friends here will tell you that I am NEVER on a Japan low, but recently I have been loving this country more than usual. I don't know what it is. Maybe it was the walk I took the other day through the rice fields, around the temple and along the river. Maybe it's the kids at school are suddenly realising speaking English ain't so bad afterall. Maybe it's my friends. (But they are always awesome) Maybe it's the people I work with. Maybe because my best Japanese friend is getting married and asked me to play at his wedding. I have no idea. But I'm loving every minute of every day. It's the best feeling in the world.

How are you all doing?

Campingu

Yes, what a comeback I made. It's been 13 days since I last bored you people to tears with my stories. Well, grab a cuppa - or something stronger - as you catch up yet again on my life.

Have been having a pretty cool time actually. Spent the weekend of 28th/29th in Azuma - can't remember the last time I did that. I played in a concert here in Azuma on the Sunday, so I spent Saturday morning practicing, and then M and his mates came around 3pm to help move the electone. Got it to the Douyoufurusatokan, did a quick run-through of my program, then organised to meet up with the guys from the band also in the concert for dinner that night. Headed to Azuma-zushi for some yakiniku and a few beers. Came home, got a good sleep then got up to meet C at the station a bit after 10. C helped me with my rehearsal, we went and checked out the art contest that was on in Azuma the same weekend, grabbed a bite to eat and then went back to the concert hall. My teacher, U-sensei, and her husband came from Tokyo to watch which was awesome. I played 3 songs plus encore; When You Wish Upon A Star, Tuxedo Junction and a medley of Japanese songs, with Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You as the encore. It was a really cool weekend.

Monday night I went shopping with D from Kurohone and ended up having dinner at his. Tuesday night was dinner at GS's where we made tempura and miso soup. Definitely one of the best meals I have had in Japan. Then S came by with birthday cake so we ate and drank and became merry.

Wednesday night was sushi party at L's in Maebashi. My choice of filling was corn and mayonaise premixed in a squeeze tube. Very satisfying.

Thursday was a quiet night in and then Friday I went to N's for beer and pizza with S, N, L, J and H. Good people and good food - what more do you need?

And that brings us to Saturday. A group of 36 people went campingu in Kuzuu. It was AWESOME! Check out the photos and you'll see what I mean.

Then today we went searching for a swamp. Took us a while and a few phone calls but eventually we got there. Found some interesting characters along the way too.

And now here I am writing to you guys. But I need to eat so bye!