Summer in a nutshell

So my nice long 5-week summer vacation comes to a close this weekend and I now reflect on everything I've accomplished over the past month or so. Sadly enough, the sum of that is exactly '0'. I basically squandered the entire time and got nothing accomplished, either on the 'for kicks' or the productive side. With the exception of one very enjoyable trip to Sendai with a few other ALTs, I basically sat in my little corner and did pretty much what I would if I were back in the States. At the beginning there were plans of visiting other places all around, but those fell short as being either 'too expensive' or 'too much work.' Not that I'm making excuses, mind you. No, there's no forgiveness and only the promise to do better in the next round. With the new crop of folks showing up very soon or already here, I shall endeavor to be more sociable and adventurous. When in a new place, one would be remiss to not try as many new things as possible. Hopefully I'll be able to slip from my rut and be able to try more outside venues. I'm proud of myself for discovering and making the movie theater a regular thing. However, they can be as expensive as the rumors state at almost $20 a pop during prime time showings. Going before 5pm can cut the price in half, assuming there's even a showing then. That done with and put aside, now for a more general overview of the Japanese countryside in the summer.

IT'S FLIPPING HOT.

Now, being from Florida I should be well used to this as the temperatures and humidity were about the same if not slightly lower. What I was not used to, however, was the lack of Air Conditioning. Most going to Japan and even north Japan will probably have an AC unit. My apartment is somewhat old style so the idea is generally to suffer the heat for a month or two, then go back freezing. Regardless, it still is not fun when merely wearing clothes causes you to sweat.

Other than that there is one big event occurs during the summer vacation: Tanabata. Now I forget most of the details of the story the holiday season celebrates, but basically it's an excuse to shoot of firecrackers for several weeks straight. So that was kinda fun but rather uneventful at the same time. Worst part about being in Japan and not fluent is that it can be fairly. You simply don't know about cool stuff unless someone actually tells you. Been a few times where I've unwittingly stumbled onto a festival or event I had no idea was supposed to take place. But once again, probably half my own fault for not asking or making the effort.

The other great regret I have that can be easily remedied is my total inadequate number of pictures I've taken. I hope to take care of that somewhat this weekend, going around the countryside and snapping shots of whatever strikes my fancy. so hopefully look for those soon.

So after all this time I guess I'm ready to get back to work. Should prove to be an interesting semester at the least. Lot to look forward to and some things to dread over slightly. Nothing to do but keep walking forward and hoping for the best as usual.