Farewell, Summer Vacation

Summer weather is still here, typhoons and mosquitoes included, but summer vacation is coming to an end. Tomorrow is the opening ceremony at most public schools in Hyogo, and classes will soon recommence.

I will try not to complain too much about the end of summer, it has been a great one! Different in many respects, but one of my most memorable summers. A summer full of firsts: first time spending the entire summer away from home, first time having a full-time job, and first time traveling to another Asian country!

Obviously, I owe you some stories. But not tonight.

Instead, I will leave you with a random collection of mishaps and adventures, perhaps from this summer, but most likely not. Chronology, who needs it all the time? As the Japanese often say (this one is for you Lorrie), please enjoy!

Bits and pieces of Japan, bullet point edition:

• I accidentally made rice using the oatmeal setting on my rice cooker. The outcome: soggy rice. Bleh.
  
• Mixing natto with cheese. Bad, bad idea. Busted my theory that everything goes well with cheese.
  
• Getting a 10% discount on a desk at a second-hand shop. The employee claimed it was a discount for not needing a delivery service. My friends, who have shopped there before, have never heard of such a thing. Either way, I then proceeded to carry the desk to my apartment on the second floor, without help, without an elevator, and after having jaywalked across a large main street. I'm living life on the edge, mates. =p
  
• Also, I got a 40% discount at the movie theater once. The cashier asked to see my gaijin (foreigner) card, and then gave me discounts for my friends as well. It was another mystery discount, as I have never come across it again.
• I accidentally walked into the men's restroom... on several occasions. I'm sorry, Japan, but blue signs don't necessarily scream "male" in my head. And I must have (finally) developed some aversion to the color pink.
  
• My students often ask me if I have a boyfriend. I tell them it's a secret. This pipes up their interest. They insist on getting a concrete answer. So, I name my imaginary boyfriends as I count them with my fingers. The final count: seven. I tell them that I have one for every day of the week. Never a dull day of the week, I say. I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted when they believe me. And now, I am a legend among the third year boys.
• Kelly, "How are you?" Students, "I'mfinethankyouandyou."
  
• Yes, these could all be detailed blog posts. I realize. I need to blog more. Will work on that. Sorryloveyoubuhbye.

Goodbye, summer vacay! The typhoons can stay, they make for cooler weather. But the mosquitoes, please take them with you. Please, I beg...