Fastforward to a year later in Japan:

Hot, Wet, and Sweaty in Japan

Hey,
Yes it is summertime AND rainy season in Japan. It is hot, sticky, sweaty, and wet. Temperatures have swerved up to the 30`s and the humidity is making mold grow in my apartment at amazing speeds. The seasons here are very abrupt. One day it was Spring and I had on a cardigan at work, the next day it was summer and I couldn`t sleep with a blanket on. The walls of my school are sweating and the corridor floors have a sheen that is slicker than ice and equally as liable to cause broken bones for the unwary. Starting two weeks ago, it has rained every day and will probably continue to do so until the end of this month. Then the real heat begins and my teaching for the year is almost over.

As most of you know from one source or another, I have decided to stay in Japan for a second year. I just haven`t had enough of the squat toilets, ugly school slippers for guests, and the raw wasabi squid bits. Honestly, I really like it here and I finally feel comfortable with the people, language and my situation at school... I also like the amount of vacation time I get and the money too (which finances those vacations). I`ve had a great year here and I know it can only get better. Everyone says the second year is the best.

However, since I am staying in Japan next year. I plan to do more travelling IN Japan than OUT this time and I want to remind you all to come and visit. I`ve even written a list of the best times to come. October is a great time to come. September is typhoon season here (which can be beautiful), but October is hot, sunny and the leaves are changing everywhere, so it is beautiful. It is also when the F1 races come to my prefecture, if you like fast cars. November is a bit chilly, but less touristy. December-February are colder than I ever thought possible but it is great for snowboarding and for taking onsens (those hot baths) and there is a big ice festival in Hokkaiddo in Feb. The end of March through into April and May are great times to come weatherwise. Also, the cherryblossoms are here the first week of April. June is a no go, rain rain rain rain. July is great. It is hot and humid, you can swim in the rivers and Mt. Fuji is open for climbing then. So, October, April and May are great times to visit with your last chance ithe first three weeks of July before I come back to Canada FOR GOOD! Bet you never thought that would happen.

So, please come visit me! It should be an interesting year. I will be getting a car and I can take you camping or on road trips. There are lots of colourful characters to meet and you can even teach in one of my classes if you want to. Japan is a crazy place but it is very interesting and you`ll never see another place like it. And the best bit is...you get to hang out with ME!! and listen to my bad japanese. Don`t miss out!