Sports…and spiders November 17, 2009
Starting to get lazy on these blogs…
It’s been almost 5 months in Japan. Wow! Time has gone by so fast. Especially the last 2 months where nothing really exciting has happened. However, my weekdays are busy with work, working out, and what not. I can’t say that it’s an exciting life to live. But “I’m in Japan!!” lol.
I guess I’ll continue on with what’s happened so far up until my last blog.
Last week, I went to play sports with my Japanese School. I got to see my old classmates. It was good to see them. I also met a few new people. Talked a bit but nothing special. Anyways, the story goes like this… I had to be at the school by 9am so we could walk over to the ferry port. There were a lot of students that I didn’t know. Everyone had their own clique of friends so I felt awkward. There were a lot of Chinese students. Most of the students were decent speaking Japanese. As for me, not so good. So it was hard to talk to anyone.
Anyways, we got to the sports centre and we setup to play volleyball. There were 4 teams with like 15 students on each team. So it was hard playing with 15 students on one court. Nevertheless, it was fun (not really). Later, we went to go each lunch outside. We had our bento lunches. I spoke to my old classmates and teachers. Sakurajima erupted. It was a pretty cool sight. Later, we went back inside the gym to play whatever else we wanted to play. Like badminton, ping-pong, basketball, etc. So people stayed outside to play soccer. But that didn’t last long because the ash from the eruption had reached us. It was really bad. Just imagine a sand storm.
Anyways, I played some basketball with some other random people. They weren’t that good. lol. It was time to leave. We cleaned up and headed out. Sakurajima erupted gain. Even bigger this time. We took a scenic path. I had the chance to speak to an Ukranian guy. He was cool. Along the way, we all stopped by a foot onsen. It was so nice. Especially after playing all day. I talked with a Korean guy. He was a big guy. It’s funny though. Most of the Korean people I have met don’t want to speak Korean. Only Japanese. Well it makes sense but still. hehe… Anyways, we headed back on the ferry and called it a night.
I actually thought I still had to work that day, so I headed back to work but my supervisor told me I could leave. But the day counted as a paid vacation. It kind of sucked because I don’t have many left and wanted to use it at a different time. Whatever. if I need a day off I’ll take an unpaid vacation.
That night all the ash made its way to the city. It was pretty bad. It rained too. So everything was a mess.
Anyways, we got to the sports centre and we setup to play volleyball. There were 4 teams with like 15 students on each team. So it was hard playing with 15 students on one court. Nevertheless, it was fun (not really). Later, we went to go each lunch outside. We had our bento lunches. I spoke to my old classmates and teachers. Sakurajima erupted. It was a pretty cool sight. Later, we went back inside the gym to play whatever else we wanted to play. Like badminton, ping-pong, basketball, etc. So people stayed outside to play soccer. But that didn’t last long because the ash from the eruption had reached us. It was really bad. Just imagine a sand storm.
Anyways, I played some basketball with some other random people. They weren’t that good. lol. It was time to leave. We cleaned up and headed out. Sakurajima erupted gain. Even bigger this time. We took a scenic path. I had the chance to speak to an Ukranian guy. He was cool. Along the way, we all stopped by a foot onsen. It was so nice. Especially after playing all day. I talked with a Korean guy. He was a big guy. It’s funny though. Most of the Korean people I have met don’t want to speak Korean. Only Japanese. Well it makes sense but still. hehe… Anyways, we headed back on the ferry and called it a night.
I actually thought I still had to work that day, so I headed back to work but my supervisor told me I could leave. But the day counted as a paid vacation. It kind of sucked because I don’t have many left and wanted to use it at a different time. Whatever. if I need a day off I’ll take an unpaid vacation.
That night all the ash made its way to the city. It was pretty bad. It rained too. So everything was a mess.
The next day, had work and played volleyball after. Next day, played basketball. Man! Was I tired. 3 days straight of just sports. I also, went to my Korean friend’s place to eat some hot pot. It was good. We played some PS3, Winning 11. Good times.
Oh for the past couple of days, there’s this huge spider right outside my door. It’s HUGE. Like the size of my hand. I’m not sure what to do. I left it alone for a few days and I don’t think it has moved at all. But I hate leaving and coming home to see that. =( Update: spider is gone!! could be good thing or even a bad thing.
Can’t wait to go to Korea in just over a month. Got to start buying presents though. What to buy?? I have too many relatives!! I have a neice, a nephew, 3 guy cousins, 4 girl cousins, 3 aunts (dad’s side), 2 aunts (mom’s side), and a few uncles but are included with my aunts. For my neice, I got her a stuffed bear before so something different. Nephew, I’ll get him a toy that I know he likes. 3 older guy cousins, not sure yet. For 2 of my girl cousins, I know what to get, shoes and perfeme as requested. Other 2 not sure as they are both older than me. Aunts, something simple. Maybe chopsticks or tea cups. I got them tea last time. Uncles, something similar. I should send presents to my family back home but my mom and I both agreed to not to send gifts as it’s expensive to ship. So now, to do some shopping.
Also, some of the interns plan to go to Hokkaido in Feb. Snowboarding in powder! It’s going to cost a lot but it’s going to be so worth it. I’ll probably go for 5 days. 3 days of snowboarding. The rest of the days for relaxing/travelling. I don’t have a board but my coworker neighbour has offered to lend me his board. Sweet! Can’t wait.
I’m watching this new Korean drama called IRIS. It’s actually a good show. I’m watching it off mysoju.com but the episodes aren’t uploaded that quickly. So it’s a pain to wait for the next episode. So while I’m waiting I’m watching the Friends series. I like watching it in order. It almost feels like a movie because each episode relies on the previous episode. So the story makes sense. But the comedy is great. Chandler is my favourite. I love his comments. They are so random but are perfect for every scenerio.
I’m continuing to play the guitar. Can’t say I have improved or suck. Similar to my Japanese. My Japanese hasn’t really picked up that much. I really need to start studying more Japanese and practicing more guitar. Anyways, until next time…
Hey Mike,
You’re the 2009 Intern at Kagoshima?! Cool!
I was an intern in Kagoshima in 2004-2005… Wow, 5 years ago. I put my blog in the link.
You seem to be having fun. Life can be tough there, but stick with it! Definitely colder winter than expected – it even snowed once while I was there.
Where are you living? I was in Nagayoshi-cho near the Arena across from route 3. And you play guitar! That’s awesome. Is Yap Rande still at the Kagoshima Office – he can help you out as his Japanese/English are both perfect. He’s a really good guy. Which team are you on? I worked for Ishida-san.
Are the other people still around? Kitahara-san? Momzono-san? Hagimoto, Dogo, or Wada? I heard Ogura-san moved companies. . . but maybe there is still cute girls working there? I guess everyone is 5 years older… weird to think fo that.
Man I miss Kagoshima. I heard one of the other interns had gone back there – Toan. Hope you’re having a good time. I look forward to following your blog. If you happen to talk to the office Manager, please tell him I said “yoroshiku onegaiitashimasu!”
natsukashii u_u;;
@rob: Hey Rob, thanks for visiting my blog. It’s pretty cool that you were an intern before me. I heard that they haven’t had too many interns in Kagoshima. But it’s good to meet (online) someone who was an intern too.
Anyways, I actually live not far from Chuo eki, in Takashi. Not sure if you know where that is. But not too far from work. Maybe 10-15 min walk, 5 min bike ride. Ya Rande is still here. I talk to him once in a while. But he’s married now. So he’s usually busy. I’m currently working on the Network team. Ishida-san is my boss too. As for other people, Kitahara-san I haven’t met. But he lent my his bike because he’s in the Philippians right now. Momozono-san is here. First person I met. Not sure about Hagimoto. Dogo-san is still here. Nice guy. Wada-san is here as well. I’m sure you know Ikeda-san. He’s my work neighbour. I talk to him all the time. I’d agree he’s a very nice guy. Married. In fact, a lot of people here are married now and some have kids. Ya, Toan is here. I actually have lunch with him everyday. Cool guy. Ryu-san still here too. He’s my Korean buddy. =P
I actually read some of your blogs. It’s funny how a lot of the things you have done or even personal gone through is sort of what I am going through. But it seemed like you had a great experience.
But anyways, I hope you enjoy reading my blogs.
Wow! I am thoroughly impressed Mike Yoo! haha this was a nice longggg blog entry~ Thx for the updates! Sounds like you’re making the most of your time in Japan! So wish I could visit you! I can’t imagine how it’s like to live with a live volcano so close! Haha you should take some pictures of the “sand storms” from your room! I want to see it!
If I saw a spider that huge I’d prob not go home HAHAHA! You’re brave my friend! I HATE spiders! I think Noah does too no? hahaha!
From when to when are you going to Korea? and when next year will you be in Korea? Summer time? I want to try to go sometime during the summer but I haven’t figured out when!
Anywho I have to read your next entry since i’m behind haha so I’ll continue my comments there=)