Howdy folks
How’s things going?
Hasn’t been a bad weekend here. We had band practice out at the Shimizu studio on Friday. Everyone was a bit tired, but we managed to get the base tracks down for two songs. Just need to add in some mandolin and back vocals, then they’ll be done. On Saturday, Chie and I went out for ramen, grocery shopping, found a nice cafe and had coffee and then we went to a gig in Wakayama City. It was a pretty good gig with my friends band, Gull Wings, playing. Gull Wings are a mix of the Rolling Stones and the Sex Pistols, so I brought my dancing shoes. There were a few other bands, but Gull Wings were the best. My friend, Yokoi also played solo, which was good. The four of us, Chie, Chiaki, Taka and I, ended up dancing and talking to people till after one. I talked to the owner of the bar and said we could play there whenever, so that was choice. I think we’ll be playing there in December. On the 19th there’s also a jam session at the bar as well. It became a jam session because the last band pulled out. What I’m trying to figure is who that band was. The thing is, the show was going to have a $75 entrance fee and was for a band called ‘Yes’. I’m curious to know whether the bar actually had THE band ‘Yes’ lined up to play, and if we’ll be jamming there in replacement of them.

Sunday was a bit more low key. I organised some photos for printing, which I am yet to get done. I need to submit a big pile of stuff for Chie’s visa application, so I’m trying to get organised. I assume all documents need to be translated into English, which shouldn’t be too bad. We do need to show proof of other relationship, proof that we’ve been properly living together and proof that’s it’s mutually exclusive. That means collecting a pile of letters, bills, tax things and all of that, which are addressed to both of us a the same address. I really need to ring them and find out roughly how many they actually want. 3-4 or 20-30? I’m not sure... Same with photos. We’re all legit, so I have no worries there. It just seems like a big process. I’m a bit stumped on how to prove that we’re sleeping around. Maybe send in a photo of me not cheating on my wife?

On Sunday, Chie and I also went for a drive up through the mountains to an onsen. It was the first time going to this onsen in Minabe (Tsuru no yu), but it was real choice. I spent most of my time in the outside bath, which had an awesome view of the mountains. For the first half of it, I was there by myself. Was a real nice place.

After that we came home, had dinner and watched Outrageous Fortune. I also did some more reading of the Murakami Haruki book, 1973 Pinball. It’s good but it’s really hard. Way harder than Norwegian Wood.

The rest of the week didn’t prove too exciting. They got me to watch an English class and then be part of the group of people dissecting it. Everyone was real positive about my input, so that was cool. I also got dumped with an extra class, which was a bit lame. It was lame because it was on Friday, which is my day when I have my first class at one school, a break in which I go to another school for two classes, then two classes at my third school. The principal gave me a ride to and from the first school due to the rain, but in exchange I had to do another class in the gap. 6 classes over 3 schools is a bit much. After that I got called to a fourth school to discuss lesson plans with two teachers. It’s those lesson plans that I’m putting into worksheet form now.

The week from here on out looks a little something like:
Monday- I’m at the Board of Education as school is closed. I’ve got to plan classes for tomorrow though. Probably won’t take too long to knock together some worksheets. After work, I’ll meet up with Sakura, Caroline and Andy to discuss English conversation class.

Tuesday- School and then English conversation class. Probably have some drinks after.
Wednesday - School and then I might be having a Japanese class with Judy
Thursday - Band practice after school with Taka’s brother. Hopefully we’ll do some recording, too.
Friday-Not sure
Saturday-Maybe go to a jam session
Sunday- School festival for Tsugi schools. I’m performing a song or two there.

Anyways, things to get on with so I’ll leave it at that.
Cheers
J




P.S

Here's a few photos from our day trip to Ryujin.





This hotel was originally built in the 1600s for the first Tokugawa emperor. It burnt down once (like most Japanese buildings) and was rebuilt in the 1800s.