Cycling, manners, and tourism in Japan

First, I want to talk about cycling. Did you know there was a massive bicycle show held last week at Osaka Port? I wanted to go, but I couldn't. Luckily for me, Mr. K wrote all about it on his blog so I could get some good info. From the content of his blog, it seemed really interesting. It's a shame I couldn't go this time, but that's OK. Hopefully I can go next time. Recently, I became interested in cycling. I don't mean just riding my old "grandma bike" around town. I mean tough, hard-core cycling, road racing. For that, I have to buy a new bicycle. Since I don't think santa is gonna get me one for Christmas, I am thinking about getting one some time next year.

And, while I am on the subject of riding bicycles, I read an article in the newspaper the other day about bicycle manners in Japan. According to the article, Osaka people have the worst bicycle manners in all of Japan...

I wasn't aware of many of the "riding rules." Do you know the "rules of the road" for bicycles? I didn't...But after I read the article, I reflected on my riding style...From now I think must be more careful and follow all of the rules.
How about you? Do you ride a bike? If yes, do you have good manners, do you follow the rules when you ride?

And, to change the subject, below is an interesting topic:

"How can the government encourage more tourists to visit Japan"

Click here for the whole article:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20091124vf.html

Some of the highlights of the above article are:

The gov't should:

1. provide free English guides. (I agree...because it is very difficult to get around Japan if you do not understand Japanese)

2. make more English signs

3. advertise better.

In addition, I think that the gov't should do something about the Yen. Right now, the Yen is too strong. So it is really expensive for tourists to visit Japan. Actually, not really expensive. Because of the exchange rate now, around 86 yen to the dollar, it is TOO EXPENSIVE.

But for Japanese people, if the Yen is that strong, then it is a great time to travel abroad, and also buy stuff from overseas on the net, I think.

Have a good Thursday night, be careful in the rain, and enjoy the weekend!

Cosmos, foilage, and boxing...

I got this email from Mr. S yesterday. It made my morning.

"We went to cosmos park where you recommended.
It was interesting place. Cosmos was beautiful yet as you said.
I like cosmos .
And there was "animal well-being center".
You'd better get dogs from here.
Please look under photos
Thank you for your information."

Recently I go walking in the park often. The foilage(=fall leaves =red, yellow, and orange leaves) are really beautiful and when I see them I can feel refreshed. And, the Cosmos flowers are really special..

As usual, last Sunday I took it easy, went for a run, and watched a dvd. The dvd, "State of Play" was good. Not great, but good. I recommend it for a dvd, but I wouldn't recommend it for the theater. Russel Crowe and Ben Affleck are in the movie. It is a suspense movie. I like suspense.

And, yesterday was a day full of sports on tv. I watched golf, sumo, and boxing. The boxing match was on tv at about 8pm, and had very high tv rating. Actually, it was the second highest tv rating ever in Japan; 43.1%. And, Koki Kameda, a kid from Osaka, was crowned the new Light Fly Weight Champion.

Ah-, today is the first day of December...the last month in 2009. Let's enjoy the last 31 days of this year...

Reservations, Boujeaulais Nouveaux, i-phone...

Reservations...I read an article the other day in the paper about reservations. How early do you make reservations? For example, to reserve a table at a popluar restaurant, to order a christmas cake, to get a room at a hotel for New Year's Eve. For restaurants, most people said they made a reservation between one week and one month in advance. The same goes for Chrismats cakes. For hotels, some people replied that they make a reservation ONE YEAR in advance in some situations(for a special occassion, i.e. New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, Fireworks Festivals...)

How about you?

How many days or weeks or months in advance to you usually make a reservation?

Last week was the "release" or "opening" of Beau Nou. Did you try it? Mr. K is a wine salesman and he told me he was really busy last week because of Beau Nou. If you tried it, what did you think? If not, what are you waiting for?!

Below is a pic of Mr. L's new i-phone. He loves it, and thinks all the gadgets and functions are great! On a side note, Mr. K ran the Fukuchiyama Marathon the other day. I was very proud of him, because I have run that marathon two times. It is not easy...And I really respect his work-ethic and strong will. Good Job Mr. K!

Nara, the diet, and 1kg=7200kcal...

How was your three day weekend?
Mine was extremely nice. I took it easy, ate some good meals, drank some nice beer and shochu, exercised, took a long bath, read a book, read the newspaper while drinking coffee, watched a dvd...all basic, simple, not-so-interesting things, but for me, those "not-so-interesting" things are really important...I cherish them.

To change the subject, as many of you know, I used to live in Nara. I lived there for 3 years and taught English in two different Junior High schools. I lived in the suburbs for one and a half years, and in the country for the other one and a half years. I really liked Nara a lot and on my days off I often went to Nara Park for a stroll. There are temples, shrines, deer(believe it or not, good-mannered deer and bad-mannered deer...)...just loads of culture. I haven't been to Nara in a while, so now I am planning a trip to visit my Japanese "hometown" again...I am looking forward to it.(Look below for Nara photos)

And, before I forget, I want to continue on the topic I spoke about last week; Mr. F's diet. According to Mr. F, "1Kg = 7200kcal. And, this calculation comes from the following formula: 1kg of 100% fat is 9000 kilocalories. But inside body fat has 20% water. So it's mean 9000kcal times 80% = 7200kcal(inside body fat)."
If you are a scientist, maybe you can understand the above explanation. To be honest, I can't...

But, last week and last weekend, I exercised a lot. In total, I ran about 20 kilometers in 7 days. Not bad for a 35 year guy with a little beer belly. I will get on the scale and weigh myself today or tomorrow, but I know that my goal, 75kg by the end of this year, is definitely within reach.

Hope ya all have a good week!

Books and a tear-jerker movie

I was talking to Ms. A the other day about books. She said that she loves to read books. Me too. We have this in common. And she said that she reads them whenever she can; on the train, on the bus, on the track while waiting for a train, at the bus stop while waiting for a bus, before sleep, and while waiting for the street lights to change...When I heard this last one, "while waiting for the street lights to change...", I said "Hold your horses!! Wait a minute! That is dangerous and you shouldn't do that!!" And I am serious. I see too many Japanese people reading while they are walking on the street! How can they see around them? How can they protect themselves from dangerous people, or dangerous cars...I can't understand it, and it is beyond me, but here is some advice. When you walk on the street, anywhere, in any town, city, or country, you should always look ahead, and look around you. Don't look down, and don't read a book!! Because it is reall dangerous. That is today's tip. Hope it was helpful.

Below is a photo of the poster for the movie "Hachi." I haven't seen it yet, but I want to. Because I love dogs. But I heard it is a real tear-jerker...

Bounty money and Happy Photo

Good morning. How is your week going so far?

After two more days, it's the weekend...

Hang in there!!

It's a little over a week since the big arrest of the fugitive Ichihashi. I am sure everyone saw it on the news or net, so I am not going to go into the details (but, I did predict that he was in Okinawa...I was close!! He was going to Okinawa...)

I found an interesting article about the bounty money for his arrest. read this: "Informants to split 10 million yen bounty"

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20091112a2.html

Who do you think should receive the lasrgest split of the bounty money; the Osaka port ferry terminal worker, the plastic surgeon in Nagoya, the ferry terminal worker in Kobe, the informant from the construction company in Osaka?

Let me know your opinion.

And to change the subject, below is a very happy picture.

I like happy pictures and happy news more than unhappy and sad news.

Please share that happiness and look at Ms. J and her dog! Cute!!

The Blues

I like jazz, especially the blues. If you don't know what the blues are, check here for an explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues

Recently, Ms. R told me about a bar near her office in Yodoyabashi. It is a British Pub/Restuarant, and often on Fridays or Saturdays live jazz concerts are held there. If I have time one day, I want to check it out. I haven't been to a live concert in a really long time...

"the blues" also has another meaning. For example;
I have the blues.
I am blue.
=I am depressed/down/sad/upset.

There are many reasons to get blue, like today's weather. It is a miserable, rainy and cold day...but let's be hopeful and optimistic and remember this:
Tomorrow is another day, another start!

November rain...

That's the weather today. Dreary and grey and wet...Ms. A told me that she lost her favorite umbrella the other day. She thought she left it on the train so she asked the train officer "Did you find a pink umbrella?" But he said "I am sorry Miss. No we haven't." She was disappointed because that umbrella had sentimental value for her. It is a shame, but something like that has happened to all of us at one time or another in our lives I think. So anyway, please be careful on the slippery roads today and don't forget your umbrella on the train!

Below is a professional level photo of some very delicious and popular cake in Honmachi these days. "Straberry Milk". It looks delicious!!

The flu and Mr. F's diet

Here are 3 tips to try to protect yourself from getting the flu.
I got them from an acquaintance of mine...

1. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method.
2. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamins C and D.
3. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can.

And, on to another topic, I want to talk about Mr. F's amazing, successful diet. He lost about 9kgs in 4 months. But he didn't do any execerise. Or practically no exercise. And, he also continues to drink shochu daily, multiple drinks, but he has cut down on beer. About his diet, he only watches what he eats. And he also calculates his calorie intake of every meal(he eats 3 meals a day which is healthy) and each day. He told me the other day how many calories equal one kg of fat. It was some ridiculously high number...I froget it though. And he hopes to get to 80kgs by the end of the year. Then he plans to become lighter than me. (right now I weigh 78kgs. But, by Dec. 31st, I will weigh 75 kgs.) DREAM ON IT MR. F!!! It will never happen!!! Even though I admit his diet has been successful until now, I believe his diet is flawed. It has at least one major flaw. That one flaw is NO exercise I think. I don't understand how he can do NO exercise, and still lose that much weight. I believe that exercise is necessary in a diet. But sometimes if you exercise, you actaully gain weight, because exercise builds muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat. Did you know that?

Below was a my favorite waterfall and bridge from University.

Winter...and more from hot Uganda

I believe it was last Monday...That was when I felt that winter had officially arrived. Cold. Bitter cold. And Monday morning was the first time I wore a winter hat since last winter. And luckily, my brother gave me 4 winter hats, so I have one to wear to work, one to wear when I go joggin outside, one to wear when I sleep, and one to wear when I am here...Just joking! I don't wear a winter hat in the classroom!! Well, at least not when anyone is here...

But today, and the past two days, are a little warmer...it is nice.

In addition, to prepare for the winter I already bought a new heater and a new carpet for the electric mat too. And soon, I am going to have to bust out(=take out) the long-johns(=long underwear)!! That's right! Every day I wear long-johns! They are a must in the winter!!! If you have never worn them, then you don't know what you're missing!!

Yesterday, the World Series ended. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Matsui was a monster...It will be a long winter without baseball, but I am already looking forward to next season.

Below are more shots from Ms. T in Uganda. These shots are quite unique I think...What an experience!!

Good morning.
How was your day off yesterday?

I went for a LDSR in the morning. This means a Long Distance Slow Run. It was the first time I have done this in a while. The reason is: there are only two more months left in this year. When this year began I weighed 75 kilograms. But now, I weigh 78. I think I put on some muscle weight, because this year I began lifting weights again, but when I look at my stomach, otherwise known as a neer belly, I think...maybe it is the beer. So I want to trim down, and get to 75 kgs before December 31st of this year. As many of you know, as we get older it is more and more difficult to lose weight...So I have to get on it, work out hard, and jsut do it!! No pain no gain!!

Below are Ms. e's email explanation and photos of her trip to Okayama the other day. I have heard a lot of good things about Okayama, and I like nature, so one day I want to make another visit there.

My trip to Okayama was wonderful.I enjoyed walking under the sunshine,sight seeing and had a wonderful timewithfriends.As I told you yesterday,we have a unique relationship for long time.Recently,I often go to Tokyo but not go to country place,so I could relaxand wasrefreshed.I like Okayama prefecture because it has mountain areas , Inland sea andmany historical places.In the mountain area,there are some hot springs. about the pictures: ・The big stones:there are along the mountain side in Sohja (not soldier)city.The stones were lifted up by "Oni" (Japanese devil) by old folk story.Do you know the story of "Momotaro"?He was born from floating peach and he went to Onigashima towipe out of devils with his buddies. It is an old famous folk story forkids in Japan.Many legends of the story are at some places in Okayama. ・Beautiful sunset and the famous five stories tower ・And some pictures of Bittyu-Matsuyama castle.I was a little surprised because the doctor (I don't know his name) doesn'tknow about the castleeven though he grow up in Okayama.

The World Series

Now in America, the World Series is taking place. My hometown team, the Phillies, are playing the New York Yankees, which is the team Matsui plays for.
It is a best of seven series, and right now the Yankees are up 3 games to 1...

Speaking of competitions, if you can answer 8 of the 10 questions in the below quiz about Philadelphia and New York food, I will buy you a beer!
And because I am kind, I will tell you the answer to the first question.
The question: How many pounds of pretzels does the average Philadelphian eat?
The answer: 12 pounds!!! Yes, that's right. The average American eats only 1 or 2 pounds a year, but Philly people eat 12!!!
Good Luck and since tomorrow is a national holiday in Japan, hope everyone can take it easy and have a good day!

http://www.delish.com/food-fun/quizzes/world-series-philadelphia-new-york-food

Maybe tomorrow, Mr. S will go for a drive and end up at another cafe like the one he went to last month in Ashiya (see below picture)

BBQ memories, and more of Okinawa...

Good morning. Yesterday was the last day of October. It was Halloween? Did anyone go to a Halloween Party? I stopped by a bar in Osaka on my way home and saw some people dressed up in a costume. Most of the people were foreigners, but I also saw a few Japanese too. People dressed up as Ultra-man, Superman, Superwoman, a cowboy, An-pan man...and more. It was funny and remined me of my childhood days when I used to get dressed up and go around to all the neighborhood houses saying "Trick or Treat!" I got a lot of candy back in the day. The Halloween bar scene was also a nice change of scenery. Next year, if ya have the time and are interested, I recommend that you check it out.

Below, is one of my next memories of the summer. A BBQ with Ms. M. We blew bubbles and had fun...I can't wait to do another BBQ next year...But next summer is a long way off.

One story from Okinawa. The only unfortunate thing of my Okinawa trip was the weather. Because of a typhoon which came near Okinawa, the weather was cloudy and rainy and windy for four of the five days I was there. But, because of this bad weather, I could have some unique and good experiences. One was: I could go snorkeling in the middle of a monsoon! It wasn't actually a monsoon, but it was like one. It was really cool to see the mountains covered in fog, and the clouds rolling in so fast! But, I think it was a little dangerous. Because after that tour, it was an afternoon tour, all of the snorkeling tours were cancelled for three days...
I was lucky!

From today is November...I wonder what kind of month it is going to be...
Hope it is a good one for everyone!!!

Okinawa, the Duck, and fast food

I am back...
I got back last Monday and since then I have been busy doing many things...
In Okinawa, I had a blast! I went to Iriomote Island for 4 nights. I was really looking forward to the trip, and except for the weather, everything was perfect!! Unfortunately, the weather was bad...but I didn't let it spoil the trip! In fact, because of the bad weather, I actually got to expereience a few new things. So, I have no regrets! But next time I go to Iriomote, I hope it is sunny and there are blue skies every day!! :)

Over the next few blogs, I will write about my trip. Please look forward to it. I have a few interesting stories to tell...

The below interview is interesting. Check it out if you want.
"What's your favorite place to go for some fast food?"

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20091006vf.html

My answer: McDonalds. Without a doubt, Mcdees!! The Golden Arches!! But contrary to popluar opinion (many people think that all Americans eat fast food, especially hamburgers, all the time...) I do not eat fats food so much. Maybe once a year. Maybe...But actually this year, I do not think I have eaten fast food yet...And there are only 2 more months left in 2009, so maybe I will be without my favorite Mcdee's double cheese-burger for a little longer.

And below is Ms. K with the famous cute duck in Nakanoshima. Did you see this popular attraction?

Beautiful

Do you want to know how to stay beautiful. Well if you do, you should read the below article.
It is an account of a foreign woman who noticed that many Japanese woman have beautiful skin, and then she decided to find out why. She makes a list of 10 foods which she says keeps the skin beautiful and the face and body beautiful.
I eat 5 out of the 10 on a regular basis...so I guess that makes me "semi-beautiful."

"How to stay beautiful in Japan through your diet"
http://www.japantoday.com/category/commentary/view/how-to-stay-beautiful-in-japan-through-your-diet

From now, I will be heading to Okinawa to have a meeting with the fish. Talk to yall when I get back.

p.s. Below are some scenic shots from the campus of the University I graduated from, Cornell University.

Paris and baseball...

A few weeks ago, Ms. R went to Paris. She went with her friend and her friend's mother. She said has been to Paris about 3 or 4 times, so she acted as a tour guide for everybody. And she set a world record!! She sent me 4 postcards, one for every day of her trip. 4 postcards from one trip!!! That has never happened before, and it will probably never happen again. I was very happy. Thanks a lot Ms. R and thanks also for the great photos (look below)!

And today some other random...First about sports. My team, The Phillies, won the first game of the National League Chanpionship today. I was pysched!! They play the Dodgers, and in Game 3, Kuroda is scheduled to pitch. I like Kuroda, but I hope the Phillies whip 'em like children!!! Repeat!! (=because the Phillies won the World Series last year too). And, speaking of baseball playoffs, they begin in Japan tonight. I am rooting for the Rakuten Eagles!!! I hope they win it all. And some sad sports news, is two of the best managers in Japan won't be managing next year. Bobby Valentine, of Lotte, and Nomura, of the Eagles. Bobby's salary was too high, and the top management hated him, so I can understand a little, but he still won...And Nomura, is in the playoffs this year with the Eagles, an expansion team. Without Nomura next year, the Eagles will turn in crows...and be nothing!! Japanese baseball sometimes amazes me...how can you fire, not re-hire two of the best in the game? No wonder so many players want to go to the Majors...

Next about Peace...The Nobel Peace Prize. I was stunned when I heard that President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Stunned...speechless...He only said, "I want to get rid of all atomic weapons..." He hasn't actualle done anything yet...Unbelievable...

The day after that, before the newspaper and tv reported about it, Mr. I told me "I think Hiroshima is a great choice for the 2020 Olympics!!!" and boom!!! The next day on the news, and in the newspaper, here was the headlines :"Hiroshima hopes to bid for the 2020 Olympics!" Again, I was stunned...speechless. Now I think that Mr. I is one of the top 5 most imtelligent guys I know...

Anyway, that's all for now folks...
Enjoy the weekend!!

Typhoons and waterfalls...

Good morning.
How was your three-day weekend? What did ya do?
On Sunday night, I met some friends for the first time in a while. They moved in August, so I visited their house, gave them a small house gift, and then we all went out to dinner at a restaurant near their house. We talked about this and that, and the time passed by quickly. It was a good time and I hope to do it again sometime soon. On Monday, I just did my usual (some jogging, strecthing, the sauna, books, a little tv...) and chilled. It was nice.

Last week on Wednesday night, the night before the Typhoon, Ms. H sent me the below email and photos(not the most beautiful photos i have ever seen, a little blurry...but I love waterfalls, so it is OK ;)

"A tyhoon is approaching and it has brought powerful winds and rain. I'm sceard.
By the way, you are going to put my photo on your BLOG. Really?
I'm OK! So I'm favor of you.
That waterfall is KEGON NO TAKI(華厳の滝）. It's very famous in JAPAN. It's one of the best3 waterfall.
One is KEGON　in TOCHGI. Another is NACHI in WAKAYAMA(那智の滝). I do'nt know the one of the lasts.
Could someone teach it for me?
Be careful in the typhoon tommorow !!! "

If you know the answer to her question, please lemme know.
Thanks and hope everyone has a good week!

Oktoberfest

"The good times flow at Oktoberfest"
http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/the-good-times-flow-at-oktoberfest

Do you know what Oktoberfest is? If not, well basically, it is a huge beer festival in Germany. And this festival is always held in October. For more info on this festival in addition to the festivities in Japan, check out the above article.

After all the rain this week, it looks like it will clear up a little this weekend...That's good! Hope everyone has a good 3-day weekend!!

Uganda

Earlier today I saw Ms. T for the first time in about a month and a half. During that interval, she went to Uganda. I have never been to Africa, but it is one place, continent, I would really like to visit once in my life. My image is just that Africa is so different from anything I have ever seen...So, I want to see it. Next year, the World Cup will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, but I am afraid that I can't mae that.

Anyway, it is just a little, but please read some of her comments about her trip. Also, there are some interesting pics below the comments.

"I came back to Japan from Uganda before 10 days. Staying in Uganda was so excited and very important opportunity to understand developing country.Please see some pictures of Uganda. I learn from this internship a lot.First of all, I could understand objective of my research and filed more than ever before.In Uganda, there are some issues about education. For example the unemployment rate of students who passed secondary schools is higher than other groups. And some vocational schools do not have enough textbooks and facility.So I would like to contribute on improving these situations through my research some days. For achieving my goal, I need to learn and study more and more.Secondly, Uganda people are very kind and helpful for internship students. They always cooperated with my research, they introduced some schools which I could go to and advice me about my research. I am really glad to see them.Totally, it was very special opportunity for me. "

Billy's in Osaka

That's right, he's here!! In Osaka. For real. And not temporarily, not on a tour or something, he is here for good. To live. In additon, he opened a gym(for "boot camp," social dancing, yoga, self-defense, etc...) in Shinsaibashi, actually right across the street from the gym which I go to.
Anyway, rather than writing all about Billy's history, I prefer you to read the below article. If you read the article, you can learn a lot about him, his past, where he is from and how he grew up, his beginnings in stardom, his reasons for coming to Japan, and his thoughts about what he wants to do here. He is a well-spoken guy, and it is interesting. You can pick up a magazine in the classroom anytime.

And, speaking of self-defense and the need for it, did you hear about the business man who was stabbed this morning after accidentally hitting umbrellas while walking to work in Nakanoshima (about a 15-minute walk from here)? Well, read all about it:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/man-seriously-injured-after-being-stabbed-onosaka-sidewalk

It's dangerous out there...and the weather is also crappy...dreary...rainy all day. And a typhoon is coming soon too...Everyone, be careful!!

Chicago, Rio, and Vienna...

Last week the 2016 host city for the Olympics were decided. I was sure, 100% sure, that Chicago wouldbe selected. There was no doubt in my mind...But boy was I wrong. Chicago was knocked out, eliminated, in the first round. Horrible. And pathetic. And disappointing. And after that, Tokyo bounced. This was not surprising to me, as I had not expected Tokyo to be selected anyway. And then it came down to Rio and Madrid....and the winner is...Rio! The Olympics will be great for that city, and boy is it gonna be a party!!! Congrats to Rio!

Read here for Tokyo Governor Ishihara's opinion of why Tokyo lost.
"Ishihara Blams Tokyo 2016 faliure on behind-the-scenes deals":
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/ishihara-blames-tokyo-2016-failure-on-behind-the-scenes-deals

Below is more pics from Vienna. Thanks Shiro!!

Bon Voyage and Have a safe flight, and Good luck in Vancouver!

Yesterday was the first day of October. My birthday is in October, so basically I like this month. And, if anyone wants to get me a little b-day present, and if you don't know my birthday, please just ask me and I will be happy to tell you when it is. ;) Just joking!!

In October, it begins to get a little cooler so I can't wear shorts and tee-shirts anymore and I have to wear jeans/pants every day, the baseball playoffs begin in both America and Japan, a bunch of typhoons often hit Japan...what other things happen in October? Think about it and lemme know your thoughts.

And, Today, October 2nd, is Mr. O's departure date. He will depart Kansai Airport and fly to Vancouver via Soeul. or maybe it was some Chinese city. I can't remember if he is flying Korean Air or Chinese Air, but I know that he has a long flight, with a long layover...I don't like long layovers (=stopovers, connections.) I like my flights and layovers to be short and sweet because travelling makes me tired and I am scared of flying. But when all is said and done, Mr. O will arrive in Vancouver and head directly to his homestay family. And then the true adventure will begin...

Below is a photo of us in the classroom and I will also post his email to me.

"Hello, Glenn.
I read the article of Danjiri festival in your blog today.
I love this festival as I have grown hearing Danjiri's drum sound every year since I was a baby.
I am very glad that you enjoyed Danjiri festival.
All of my family say that they had a very good time with you.
We will welcome you if you come to Kishiwada next year’s festival.

The date of my departure for Vancouver is coming up.
I worry whether I can have some good friends in Vancouver.
At the same time, I believe everything will work out.

See you again when I come back.
I look forward to treating me to Ichiba sushi! Go, Giants!

P.S. We all had a photo taken at Kishiwada Castle but did not show up in the photo unluckily.
So I do not have a photo which we all show up.
I send you a picture which we took at last class."

Hope everyone has a good weekend!!