This weekend was busy! I'm still running double speed from Tokyo so I took advantage of this energy and the new car and went exploring...

Firstly, Meredith and I got the train to Aizuwakamatsu, our nearest city. It takes about 40 minutes and goes through the hills past all the pretty onsen towns (hot springs). We were very pleased as it has a lot of character and lots of things happening for such a small city. After eating some delicious 'ramen' (special noodle soup) and visiting the castle (above) we coincidently bumped into some friends from Tokyo, Becca and Padraic. After being shown round and taken to a local electrical superstore for household stuff we explored the local jazz club! Its actually pretty good! So as you can imagine, I'm happy.

On Sunday we had a road trip around our area. We drove towards Tadami - the area where all the ski resorts are. It's hard to imagine that in a few months this whole area will be under several metres of snow!

Right now I'm just working at the Board of Education, I'm spending my time trying to learn the two simplest Japanese scripts. Office life here is strange, the thing to remember is that as long as you're here, it doesn't matter too much what you do! At any one time there are several people asleep! I'm looking forward to getting started at Shimo-Ju (Shimogo Junior High).

This weekend I'm going back to Aizuwakamatsu for a party then venturing towards Iwaki on the coast for a small beach party that my friend Eleanor has organised. She says the coast is gorgeous so I'm looking forward to seeing where she is.

In the meantime, ja ne (see you later)...