Nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award

Yesterday, while eating a lunch of convenience store yakitori and rice balls, I received a surprising notification on my phone. I had been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award thanks to Michael over at JapanTrekker, a photography blog that I have been watching for a while now. A lot of his recent posts have been some stunning shots of Japan, but there is photography from all around the world in his archives.

---

ABOUT THE VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD

The Rules: 

1) Display the award on your blog.

2) Thank the blogger that nominated you and provide a link to their blog.

3) Share seven facts about yourself.

4) Nominate 15 bloggers for the award and provide links to their blog.

---

SEVEN THINGS ABOUT ME

 

1)  I am a teacher, currently focusing on students from the ages of three through fourteen, though I specialize in teaching adults.

2) I can speak conversational Japanese, but can read a little Spanish, French, and tiny bit of Chinese as well.

3) I studied Graphic Design for three years during high school and two years in college.

4) The majority of my photos are taken with my cellphone to and from work.

5) I have suffered from severe food allergies since the age of twelve, although my condition has improved a lot from living in Japan, and taking large doses of medication everyday.

6) My childhood dream was to be an archaeologist specializing in underwater and forested ruins.

7) I cannot swim. At all.

---

MY NOMINEES

Cooking with Wallflower – delicious receipts along with stunning photos

Twocatsviews – our world and universe, according to cats

Sakura Junction – amazing Japanese food and sweets

Joshidaniel – moving (hearts, not images) photography

Abandoned Japan – urban exploration pictures

Yoooya – a seasoned traveler and photographer

Wrong Hands – an interesting take on life, as drawn by a graphic artist

Abandoned Kansai – urban exploration at its finest

Uncle Mel’s – various photographs and musings

Abandoned NYC – urban exploration of the big apple

What the Ducks – a bit of everything along with some adorable ducks

Aquacompass7 – one man’s look on where we came from and where we are going (JAPANESE with an occasional English Post)

Bite-sized Dhamma – a little bit of Buddha for our crazy lives

Helloalissa – quality articles about teaching in Japan and live as a teacher

Leaf and Twig – Plants, flowers, and a whole lot of nature

If you have some time, please make sure to check these awesome blogs out.

New Home

Last weekend, I moved from Nagoya to a city called Anjo, for work. I spent Sunday scrubbing my old apartment and packing up the rest of my stuff. Monday, the moving truck came, manned by the sweetest little grandpa I’ve ever met, and I registered myself (and my bike) at the local government office. Since thing I have been settling in to my new place and getting used to my new classes.

My room is a bit smaller than my last one, with no balcony, and a lower loft. However, I do have a proper closet and plenty of storage spaces. The best part is the 10 minute walk to work. It’s super convenient in the morning.

The kitchen is tiny, though. I love to cook, so although my last place had a small kitchen, I set things up so that I had at least a little space to do things like chop ingredients, mix things, and so on. Here, I put my dinner tray over the sink and that’s all I have to work with. I need to thing of how I can better utilize my space.

 

 

Old Home in Meijimura

An unexpected interview

Recently I was enjoying an evening in Nagoya’s Central Park area, when a reporter from the local TV station asked for an interview. He was doing a piece on foreign views of Nagoya, which may be due to the Nagoya’s increased pressure to draw in tourists. Interviewees had to live and work in Nagoya and speak both languages at least a little. The interview was done in English, but it’s believed that a better understanding of the local culture can bd enjoyed by people who are bilingual.

Most of the questions were about things I was surprised by here, what I like to do in my free time, and about differences in culture. Because I’m from New York, I’m seen as somewhat cool, even though I’m really not.

All in all, it took about thirty minutes.

The program is set to debut on Nagoya channel 6 on June 7th.

Winds of Change

Big changes are coming in June. I will be moving again as well as starting a new work contract. This time, however, it will be at a branch school. As a kids’ teacher.

It all happened so quickly. One moment I was trying to figure out where I was going to live this summer and how I was going to make the money in my bank account stretch, but now I’m trying to shove all my crap into boxes and clean up the place for the next person.

I’m excited for my next big adventure.

More Jellyfish

More jellyfish from Nagoya Aquarium.

JellyFish Flowers

Nagoya Aquarium is currently having a jellyfish exhibition, so I went with a friend. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what kind of jellyfish these are, but they sure look pretty!

Oasis 21 at Night

The weather has been wonderful, so I’ve been trying to take advantage of it. After almost a year in the center of Nagoya, I’m being transferred to Anjo City. While it won’t be impossible to come to the big city, it will take much longer and be a bit more expensive.

During my walks, I found myself at Oasis 21 in Sakae. It’s a shopping area made of about four levels. These pictures were taken from the top level, which sports a reflecting pool/fountain and plexi-glass floor.

It’s also a pretty convenient location from where I am living now. It’s only a handful of stops away on the Sakuradori Line. I think I may visit this place from time to time, after my move.

Takashima Island

In Gamagori there is an island, just off shore, housing a collection of old Shinto Shrines. It’s a small island, not even a mile across.

Besides the shrines, there are beaches around the outer edge of the island which are known for their shellfish.

After paying respects at the various shrines, it’s a quick walk back from the exit, though not necessarily and easy one.

There is an uneven path set between the hill the shrines are perched upon and the surrounding beaches. Some places are quite steep, especially for those wearing inappropriate shoes. The walk is only about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how many pictures you stop to take or shells you decided to collect.

My friends and I took about 40 minutes for obvious reasons.

Happy Birthday, Mom

We might be miles apart, but we’re always under the same sky, connected by the flow of the great oceans, and will never stop thinking about each other. I wish you all the happiness in the world.