Two weeks ago, I went to Yakushima in southern Kyushu.  I’ve often heard students talk about Yakushima, and Dave and Ayumi went there a few years ago, so I wanted to see it myself.

I traveled alone, and I didn’t join a tour group.  To prepare, I did lots of research on the Internet and I asked people who had been there.  I appreciate all the advice from students! 

Yakushima is one of the rainiest places in Japan, and I went during the rainy season.  So I was prepared for bad weather. I bought a new rain jacket and waterproof shoes.  Dave also loaned me some rain gear, which was a big help.

I stayed at a minshuku for three nights, and I had two full days of hiking.  The first day I hiked to Jomon-sugi.  It was a 9.5 hour hike in pouring rain…definitely an adventure!  I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t take better pictures.

Wilson’s Stump, inside and out:

 

The second day I hiked in an area called Shiratani Unsuikyo.  This was my favorite place – the weather was foggy and mysterious, I saw lots of deer and monkeys, and I hiked for about 3 hours without seeing any other people. 

 

Normally I like the city more than the countryside, but Yakushima was unforgettable.  I hope to go back someday, maybe with my family.  Next time, I’m going to bring a tripod and get some better pictures!

Hi,

Well, I haven't done anything special recently. I have a simple life and I don't change very much.

I think the biggest change for me recently is buying a Sony Walkman. I bought it on Sunday. I guess that's all. Nothing else is different.

Click below to see a picture of me posing with my new Walkman.

遅くなりましたが。。

アメリカへの里帰り中、タツキは身体的に日本式がしみついている様子が見られたそうです。

靴を履いて家の中へ入っていいところ、それがわからず、ちゃんと外で脱いでいたそうな。

そして、この写真の意味するところがわかりますか？

しゃがみ込んだ際に、慣れていないと足のかかとがべったりと地面についた状態でお尻を浮かせるのは大変です。
現にNickやデイブはできないので、しゃがんでお尻が床に付かないようにするには、足指でのみしゃがみ、かかとは浮いている状態です。
普段から床に座る生活をしていると股関節が柔軟になるからでしょうか。

岡山弁で言う「べべちゃんこ」がわかるでしょうか？
それをする際に脚が全部床に付くのも、慣れですよ。
その前に「べべちゃんこ」は全国共通の表現ではどういうのでしょうか。

While I was in Pennsylvania, Shawn drove down from Boston to visit me. We went camping with my family and the next day we rode innertubes down the local stream. It was relaxing and fun. 

The 3rd day, we visited my brother Chris's doughnut shop. Then unfortunately, Shawn had to go back to Boston. Thanks for coming to see me, Shawn!

Happy Birthday, America!

今日7月4日はアメリカの誕生日。つまり独立記念日です。
NEOでのネイティブ講師は全員アメリカ人です。
今朝最初に会ったときにHappy Independence Dayと言っておきました。
が、
日本在住が長くなってくると周りにいる人たちが必ずしもアメリカ人とは限らないため、彼らも大々的にお祝いはしなくなりました。

本国では一大イベント。
どこの町でも花火が上がったり家族や友人と集まったりします。
RJはその週末にあわせてBBQを考えていたようですが、梅雨の今、どうせ雨だろうということで諦めたようです。