Ohisashiburi

It has been so long since I last made an entry, I was worried that my blog no longer existed. This is going to be a short update despite me having been up to quite a bit.

1.I went skiing!! I went skiing in Shimane ken. Due to my bum's horrible like of steering ability, I feared for my life on an exteremely steep slope, and also was forced to return in flimsy slippers that were 5 sizes too small (about 3 sizes too small by US measurements) because someone either stole, misplaced, or threw-away my SHOES. That's right. With a lage backpack and heavy winter clothing, I travelled hundreds of miles by bus and train and walked through all of my transfers and rest stops in a pair of cheap hall slippers.

2. I got sick after skiing!! I had a 103 fever. That wasn't fun.

3. I went to Tokyo for a conference for people finishing up the JET program. The day before I came home I got sick again. 102 fever. Flying home sick was not fun, but my good friend and former roommate Toshi and his wife Keiko treated me very kindly!! I came home and my high fever continued for 4 or 5 days. I had 3 IV's in 3 days. Then the doctor proclaimed me healthy and the next day.....

4. I went to Taiwan!! It was only for a few days, but I got to see the sites around Taipei, visit the world's tallest building "Taipei 101" and visit a friend who studied in Bellingham! I must say I enjoyed the food the most and the scooters the least. I was only there for a few days and saw several near misses and one pretty ugly collision. But overall it was a good trip!

5. I came back to Japan rather drained from doing too much in the last few months. I am not taking it easy and will soon begin preparations to finish up living in the metropolis that is Nogata. Sorry to all my friends and family for not writing more sooner. Hope this makes up for it!! I will try to add pictures soon!!