At the most recent book club, which took place on December 13th, we covered Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. A relatively short novel (at least for bibliophiles), coming in at a little under 400 pages, it nevertheless succeeds in painting a Wonderland-esque parallel reality that is rather dark and well-fleshed out. In addition, it is essentially…
When travelling in Japan as a tourist, getting around is easy. The rail pass makes travel a breeze and the tourist tracks are clear and well-travelled. However, it is once you become a resident that you realize that travelling within Japan is a lot more convoluted and expensive that it originally seemed, especially if…
 Onsen: a short history.  暇ã¤ã¶ã—（ã²ã¾ã¤ã¶ã—）is a Japanese word whose meaning, as a JET, is probably extremely familiar to you by now. It literally translates to “crushed time,†and is the Japanese equivalent of our “killing time.†In my case, killing time at work usually involves drinking copious amounts of coffee that comes in wee…
I can honestly tell you that one of my biggest challenges while living here in Japan　has been the language barrier. Most of the things in my daily life are affected by this. I never thought it would take me minutes before someone could understand me, and another set of minutes for me to comprehend…
Herzlichen Glückwunsch aus Österreich (or Austria)! I am writing you from what I’ve dubbed the Beverly Hills of Austria– a community far too wealthy for me to be living in, as evidenced by students riding to school in BMWs and Hummers. I am still effectively an ALT, just entirely self-sufficient this time as…
I’ve just signed my reappointment papers. Well, by the time this is published, it won’t be “just,†but you get the idea: I’ve made my mind up: I’m staying for another year. If a woman were to get knocked up right now, she could carry the baby to full term, birth it, realistically travel…
It’s the year of the Monkey and in celebration here is something sweet to eat! Zenzai is a dessert that can be enjoyed year round and, of course, in winter it is served hot. In some parts of Japan, zenzai or oshiruko ãŠæ±ç²‰ (the more watery version of zenzai) is served as…
You Caught Me Monologuing I have asked the birds what this is all about, and Henwyn, at least, has been helpful. She agreed to come down out of the attic for a chat. And now she is telling me about the flock’s journey to this house from their world in search of the Margravine….
Nagasaki served as one of Japan’s primary ports for many years, with the result that the city now has a very distinct atmosphere compared to other mainland Japanese cities. Chinese and European influences are easy to observe, largely through cuisine and religion respectively. The Chinatown is one of three in the nation, and…