This That and Whatever Comes to Mind

It's here!

As of yesterday, the rainy season has arrived in the Kanto area, according to the weather people. So what happens? We had a gorgeous sunny morning...go figure!

I have come the the conclusion that we shouldn't call it the rainy season, but the monsoon season. My reasoning? Last week, during an English lesson, my student asked me when the rainy season was in Seattle, and she was very surprised to learn it's in the winter.

Japan turns subtropical in June..today's humidity proves that...and the rains are the beginning of the hot season. This is just like other Asian countries...India, Cambodia, the Philippines for example. And the rain clouds definitely come from the south, bringing lots of moisture that sticks around throughout the summer...after the rains are gone, it's just hot and humid.

Due to all of this, many Japanese just assume that everyone's rainy season is in the summer. It takes me awhile to explain the geography around Seattle and that, although the surrounding areas get snow, this turns into a cold rain around the city. Another example I bring up is Southern California, which also gets its only rain in the winter...I have memories of the winter thunder storms from the 3 years I lived in the LA and Orange County areas.

So I will rephrase my beginning sentence: As of yesterday, the monsoon season has arrived in the Kanto area, according to the weather people.

A quiet Friday afternoon

A gray day...quite warm with high humidity...a preview to the monsoon season which is forecast to start next week in the Kanto area where I live. Unfortunately the rains are very necessary to help the rice grow...at least, it's a warm rain, although some days can be a little chilly....will keep a fleece pullover out just in case.

Went to Zushi this afternoon...had to go to the banks, and I was surprised at how quiet it was around the station and the local shopping area. I mean, it's Friday which is usually not a good time to go to any bank, especially in the afternoon....long lines are a given. But today, I didn't have to wait at either of the banks I visited! Proof, perhaps, that the economy has not recovered as much as the government wants us to think....

Had lunch at Lapereau for the first time in 3 weeks...cabbage and potato pasta with anchovy sauce...trust me, it tastes oh so much better than it sounds with super crunchy garlic scattered throughout. A couple of older ladies were at the other end of the counter, and they talked and talked and talked the entire time I was there...I had to laugh as they bowed to me on my way out...their way of apologizing?

And of course, the big news today is the start of the 2010 World Cup...football to most of the world and soccer to those of us from the US. Not a fan, but still excited that it's all happening in Africa! Go, South Africa...you've done a great job so far, and I will be watching with the hopes that all goes well throughout the month. And may you go all the way to the top!!! Wouldn't that just be so wonderful?

Running out of new material to read...picked up Stranger In A Strange Land for the umpteenth time, but debating whether I really want to read it again. It's the only Heinlein I kept when I cleaned out my shelves some years back...I guess because it's the first of his works I read...back in 1967...when I lived in LA that year I took off from college. I can still remember how shocking it was to my 18 year old psyche and how it pales compared to the DH series of today, for example. Still a good read, though...yes, I think I will continue with it.

Ah, the sound of the ocean...one of the best things about this time of year is being able to sit with the window open on the beach side of my apartment. It's only a little after 9, but sitting here listening to the waves washing up on the shore is making me very sleepy. Guess I will take Zip home early tonight and go to bed myself....my next door neighbor's fox terrier comes over a few nights a week to sleep on my sheepskin for as long as I let him....more on him another time.

Come to think of it, my first lesson tomorrow is at 6:30...gads, what a way to start off my Saturdays! G'nite, world!!

A new year

Here in Japan, the fiscal year ends on March 31st, so this is a busy time for many people... graduation ceremonies, college freshmen moving into new living quarters, employees being transferred to different departments and branches...moving vans are a common sight these days. Many of my students sound exhausted...even if they are staying in their present position, they will be saying goodbye to some team members and welcoming new members...the pressure of change can be serious.

On a lighter note, it's also the time for the television season to end, creating new programs  and the change of personalities, especially news anchors....my favorite evening anchor is moving to a morning program...I have no idea who her replacement is and can't make a judgment, but she will be missed. I guess I could watch her new spot, but unfortunately I'll be teaching at that time.

Even the weather is following the flow...it's supposed to stay cold until March 31st!

(I am very proud of myself...this week, I've posted twice here, once so far on my Japanese blog, tweeted a little and sent out a newsletter to my Abundance Sharing mailing list...and all the while, I've spent time reading...both social issue related and fun books...watched all my favorite TV programs and even played with family and friends on Facebook! Oh, and I almost forgot..I posted daily on my Kiva team page...^-^)

How to beat the heat

My next door neighbors just came onshore from an afternoon on their yacht

2nd Annual Akiya Bbq

My next door neighbors and some of their friends started a new tradition last summer...a bbq for friends and neighbors on the beach in front of our apartments. Last year, 100 people came...this year 140. Food, drink, conversation, dogs, kids, and live entertainment, from flute and recorder music to hula to ukulele. Even had a didjeridu! And in the background Deep Blue...very appropriate with the ocean behind the screen.

A great time to see friends, renew summer friendships and meet new people.

By the way, Akiya is the name of the area where I live...Aki = autumn ya = valley...therefore Autumn Valley. The beach in front with hills right behind....for most people a resort to visit once in a while....for me, home for the last 16 years....^-^